doctor who: the clockwise man (justin richards) (v1.0)

8/13/2019 Doctor Who: The Clockwise Man (Justin Richards) (v1.0)

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DOCTOR · WHO

he

Clockwise Man

BY JUSTIN RICHARDS

BBC

BOOKS



Collect all the exciting new Doctor Who adventures:

THE MOSTE!S "S"DE

B# Ste$hen Cole

W"E! T%KES %&&

B# 'ac(ueline !a#ner



)u*lished *# BBC Books+ BBC Worldwide &td+

Woodlands+ ,- Wood &ane+ &ondon W./ OTT

0irst $u*lished /--1

Co$#right 2 'ustin !ichards /--1

The 3oral right o4 the author has *een asserted5

Doctor Who logo 2 BBC /--6

Original series *roadcast on BBC television

0or3at 2 BBC .789

Doctor Who+ T%!D"S and the Doctor Who logo are trade3arks o4 the

British Broadcasting Cor$oration and are used under licence5

%ll rights reserved 5 o $art o4 th is *ook 3a# *e re$ roduced in an# 4or3

or *# an# 3eans without $rior written $er3ission 4ro3 the $u*lisher+

exce$t *# a reviewer+ who 3a# (uote *rie4 $assages in a review5

"SB - 189 6,8/, ;

Co33issioning Editors: Shirle# )atton<Stuart Coo$er

Creative Director: 'ustin !ichards

Editor: Ste$hen Cole

Doctor Who is a BBC Wales $roduction 4or BBC OE

Executive )roducers: !ussell T Davies+ 'ulie =ardner and Mal >oung

)roducer: )hil Collinson

This *ook is a work o4 4iction5 a3es+ characters+ $laces and

incidents are either a $roduct o4 the authors i3agination or

used 4ictitiousl#5 %n# rese3*lance to actual $eo$le living

or dead+ events or locales is entirel# coincidental5

Cover design *# Henr# Stead3an 2 BBC /--1

T#$eset in %l*ertina *# !ocket Editorial+ %#les*ur#+ Bucks

)rinted and *ound in =er3an# *# ==) Media =3*H+ )?@neck

0or 3ore in4or3ation a*out this and other BBC *ooks+

$lease visit our we*site at www5**csho$5co3

Scanned *# The Ca3el

http://www.bbcshop.com/

http://www.bbcshop.com/



a*le o4 Contents

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0or 'ulian and Christian and ever#one else now

discovering or rediscovering the a3aEing worlds o4

Doctor Who



5

)eter Dickson learned the truth a*out *lack cats 4ro3 his 3other5

"4 a *lack cat co3es u$ to #ou+ she said to hi3+ then thats luck#+ that is5 But i4 it onl# co3es $artFwa#+ then

turns *ack555 "4 it has *urning green e#es555 She sucked in her *reath and shook her head5 The# sa# that #our

4ather saw a *lack cat that 3orning+ on the wa# to his shi$5 " reckon it had green e#es5 " reckon he should have

co3e ho3e that 3o3ent+ like an# sensi*le sailor5 Hed still *e here now i4 hed $aid attention to that *lack cat5

The#re 4ickle ani3als+ cats5 Dont trust the35 The# onl# ever think o4 the3selves5 i4 the# *ring #ou luck+ good or

*ad+ #ou can *e sure its 4or their own reasons5

The *lack cat Dickson saw al3ost thirt# #ears later was neither a$$roaching nor turning tail5 "t watched hi3

4ro3 across the street with glass# re4lective e#es5 "t was i3$ossi*le to tell what colour the# reall# were was that

luck# or notG Dickson took a dee$ *reath o4 s3ogg# &ondon air5 He neither knew nor cared5 He wasnt

su$erstitious+ like his old 3other a ictorian wo3an in ever# sense+ he thought5 %nd an#wa#+ #ou couldnt even

tell what colour the cat itsel4 was it ust looked *lack *ecause it was dark5 There was a s3udge o4 $ale

colouring under its chin+ a triangle o4 white in the darkness *elow the glint o4 the e#es5 Then+ in an instant+ the

cat was gone5 %s i4 the e#es had *een switched o445

Dickson *lew out a strea3 o4 s3oke 4ro3 his cigarette5 % 4inal drag *e4ore he went *ack into the house5 The

guests would *e arriving soon+ and he needed to ensure ever#thing was read#5 He 4licked awa# the stu* end o4

the cigarette and watched it glow *rie4l# *e4ore 4ading and d#ing5 &ike the e#es o4 the cat5 He coughed in the cold

Octo*er air+ and turned to go *ack inside5

!ose looked down at hersel4+ wondering how da4t she see3ed5 Did the# reall# dress like this in the .7/-s thin

cotton down to the cal4G %nd in 3int greenG She had 4ound a long+ dark cloak with a hood+ which she du3$ed

across the T%!D"S console5

The Doctor s$ared her a glance5 He was ta$$ing at so3e 3eter or other5 Satis4ied+ he nodded and 3oved to

the next control which was covered *# !oses cloak5 % *rie4 4rown+ and the Doctor 3oved on5 !ose watched

his 4iercel# intense e#es re4lecting the light o4 the console as he 4ocused on the next control5 She liked the wa#

he stood so still and so con4ident #et an# second she knew he 3ight *reak into a *road grin5 See3ing to realise he was *eing watched+ he looked u$ at her again5 WhatG

%re we nearl# there #etG

>ou sound like a kid on an outing5

" a3 a kid on an outing5 %n outing *ack in ti3e5 She couldnt hel$ s3iling at the $ros$ect+ and he grinned

*ack5

>eah5 =reat+ isnt itG "ts .7/6 out there5 Or will *e in a 3o5 He ta$$ed encouragingl# on a control5



%nd thats when this exhi*ition thing isG

The British E3$ire Exhi*ition+ #eah5 =ot to get a *it o4 culture now and then5

!ose laughed5 &ike a school tri$5 Tell 3e again wh# do " want to see itG

He *linked in 4eigned dis*elie45 Because #our *est 3ates going5

That 3ade her grin5 So wh# doesnt he have to dress u$ 4or itG

He was shocked now+ standing *ack 4ro3 the console and gesturing at his own clothes5 &eather acket over a

dark *rown roundFnecked shirt+ 4aded slacks and *attered shoes5 Excuse 3e+ he said+ $ointing5 ew shirt5

Without waiting 4or her verdict on the shirt+ he turned to the scanner5 The $icture was dark+ too dark to see

an#thing at 4irst5 Then the *lackness so4tened into sha$es as the contrast and *rightness adusted5

We could tr# in4rared+ the Doctor 3uttered5 But " dont think theres 3uch heat out there5

!ose could di3l# 3ake out so3e o4 the sha$es now ironwork and wooden $lanksI an old *edstead and a

$ile o4 *uckets5 "ts cold and were in a scra$#ard5

The Doctor shrugged5 " like scra$#ards5 ever know what #ou 3ight 4ind5 He checked another reading5 >oull

need that cloak+ he said+ as i4 noticing it 4or the 4irst ti3e5 The doors o$ened+ and a 4aint trace o4 3ist

wa4ted in 4ro3 the #ard5

!eckon well 3eet an#one 4a3ousG !ose wondered5

"n Octo*er .7/6G

The# did have 4a3ous $eo$le then+ rightG

His voice 4loated *ack 4ro3 the 3ist# outside5 o television+ *ut #eah the# did5

!ose hurried a4ter hi3+ into the excite3ent o4 the unknown5

%t 4irst he had thought it was the cat+ 4ighting with so3ething5 Making an aw4ul howling noise5 But there

was so3ething rh#th3ic and 3echanical a*out the sound that s$lit the night air5 "t was not a sound

3ade *# an ani3al5 % grating+ ras$ing sound like so3e great engine grinding into li4e+ then d#ing5 Over

and over5 "t ca3e 4ro3 ever#where and nowhere whichever wa# he turned+ the sound was alread#

echoing *ack to hi35

% 4lash o4 light 4ro3 *ehind the gate into =i*sons >ard5 0or a 3o3ent+ Dickson saw the glow over the

wooden gate+ and the light shining *etween the $lanks5 Then it was gone+ and the sound had ended in a

satis4ied thu3$5

Whos thereG Dickson called out5 But his voice was *rittle and scratch#5 He could *arel# hear hi3sel45

He glanced *ack at the house+ considered going *ack inside5 But he was curious a*out the sound and the

light5 Dickson 3ade his wa# down the ste$s 4ro3 the side door and headed 4or the gate to =i*sons >ard5 He crossed the street+ not noticing the *lack cat that slunk awa# down the street+ 4licking its tail as it went5

He 3ade his care4ul wa# towards the heav# wooden gate+ o*livious to how the shadows *ehind hi3

see3ed to dee$en and grow5 Was that the sound o4 a door o$eningG Were there voicesG

The shadow *ehind hi3 (uickened $ace+ its (uarr# now within its gras$5 "ts inhu3an 4ingers

stretched out+ tre3*ling rh#th3icall#+ clicking towards the *ack o4 Dicksons neck5

"n the distance Dickson could hear Big Ben chi3ing the hal4Fhour5 He hesita ted+ the hairs on the *ack o4

his neck $rickling as i4 in a 4aint *reee5 Suddenl# his ever# sense was strain ing5 He could see a $ale glow



o4 light 4ro3 *ehind the gate5 0eel the cool night air on his skin5 S3ell the da3$ o4 the Tha3es wa4ted on

the *reee5 0or so3e reason he could taste the rust# iron o4 *lood in his 3outh+ as i4 he had *itten his

tongue5

%nd to his a3ae3ent+ as the chi3ing sto$$ed+ he was sure he could hear the ticking o4 Big Ben+

3arking o44 the re3aining seconds o4 his li4e5



OE

The air was cold with a s3ell o4 da3$ and s3og5 !ose $ulled the cloak tight a*out her and ran over to the

Doctor5 He was ins$ecting a large wooden gate+ his sonic screwdriver $oised over the lock+ glowing *usil#5

Breaking and exitingG !ose suggested5 Her *reath 3isted the air as she s$oke5

The Doctor did not look u$5 So3eones in trou*leFcant #ou hearG

ow that he said it+ she could5 "n a3ong the noise o4 the cit# the clatter o4 distant wheels on co**les+ the 4arF

o44 sounds o4 $eo$le shouting and calling+ the 3elanchol# hoot o4 a *oat on the Tha3es555 Over and a*ove that

she could hear the 3u44led cries o4 so3eone in $ain+ or 4ear5

The sonic screwdriver hu33ed+ and the lock clicked o$en5 The Doctor was alread# kicking at the heav# gate+

sending it 4l#ing *ack as he hurtled through5

0i4t# 4eet awa#+ startled in the $ale glow o4 a street la3$+ a 3an was 4ighting 4or his li4e5 His assailant was

4orcing hi3 *ackwards+ its hands round the 3ans neck as it *ore down on hi35 % dark sha$e *ehind the

struggling 4igures all silhouette and no detail5 The vague notion o4 a third 4igure disa$$earing *ack into

the shadows5

The Doctor crashed shoulderF4irst into the attacker5 Hold *roken+ the 4igure ste$$ed *ack5 The Doctorcolla$sed+ clutching his shoulder+ then $ulled hi3sel4 *ack to his 4eet5 The attacker $aused in the dee$est

shadows+ deciding whether to take on the Doctor as well as its 4irst victi35

DoctorJ !ose ran towards the35 Her a$$earance see3ed to decide it+ and the dark 4igure turned and

3arched sti44l# awa#5 Watching the 4igure+ tr#ing to 3ake out so3e 4eature in the di3 light+ !ose caught her 4oot

on the ker* and went s$rawling5 She $ut out her hands to save hersel4+ 4eeling the rough sur4ace o4 the

$ave3ent cutting into the3+ ru**ing awa# the skin5 She ca3e to rest in an undigni4ied hea$ close to the 3an

who had *een attacked5

He was l#ing gas$ing on the ground+ ru**ing at his throat5 He was wearing white gloves+ *ut now the# were

stained and dirt#5 The Doctor leaned over and loosened the 3ans collar5 Has he goneG he asked without

looking at !ose5

>eah5 " scared hi3 o44 She got to her 4eet+ shrugging the cloak *ack over her shoulders and exa3ining her

hands graed+ sore and covered in 3ud5 T#$ical5

"3 glad so3eone did5 The Doctor straightened u$ and ru**ed his shoulder again5 "t was like running into a

*rick wall5

!ose stoo$ed to hel$ the 3an on the ground5 He was *reathing 3ore easil# now and struggling to sit u$5



Thank #ou+ he croaked5 "3 o*liged5

>oure alive+ the Doctor said5 He $ut his hand under the 3ans el*ow and hel$ed hi3 u$5

Who was thatG !ose asked5 Wh# did he attack #ouG

" have no idea+ 3iss5 " heard a noise+ saw lights5 " ca3e to see what it was and555 He shrugged+ still ru**ing at

his neck5

Here+ lets see5 The Doctor led hi3 a 4ew ste$s down the $ave3ent so the# were directl# under the street

light5 He gestured 4or the 3an to raise his head5 "ts all right+ "3 a doctor5

'ust not a 3edical one+ !ose $ointed out+ earning a glare5 So+ is he OKG

Dickson+ 3iss5

Mr Dickson will *e 4ine+ the Doctor said5 &uck# we got here when we did+ though5 Where do #ou liveG

" a3 in service+ sir+ at the house over there5 Dickson $ointed to a large town house 4urther down the street5

!ose could see that the side door was o$en and light was s$illing out down the ste$s5

Then lets get #ou *ack there5 The Doctor ste$$ed awa#+ looking Dickson u$ and down5 He 4rowned and

reached 4or the 3ans hand+ li4ted it gentl# in his own to exa3ine it in the light5 %$$arentl# satis4ied+ he s3iled+ let

the hand go+ gestured 4or Dickson to lead the wa#5 He took Dicksons ar3 to hel$ hi35

What is itG !ose asked (uietl#5

>ou kee$ #our gloves clean+ Mr DicksonG

O4 course+ sir5 He still sounded hoarse+ his voice scra$ing in his throat5 Wh#G

'ust the#re a *it gru**# now+ a4ter #our little adventure5 %nother 3#ster#5

To go with whoG and wh#G+ !ose said5

To go with the 4act that the 3arks on Mr Dicksons neck look like the# were 3ade *# a 3etal i3$le3ent+ not

4ingers+ the Doctor said5 %nd that his gloves are stained with oil5

0ro3 the darkest $art o4 the shadow# evening+ two 4igures watched the Doctor and !ose hel$ Dickson *ack to

the house5 One o4 the3 gave a sigh o4 disa$$oint3ent5

The other had no *reath with which to sigh5

%4ter the third atte3$t+ Sir =eorge Harding gave u$5 =ive 3e a hand with this+ would #ou+ %nnaG

His wi4e was s3iling *ack at hi3 in the 3irror+ a3used *# his clu3siness5 >ou are all 4ingers and thu3*s+

she said so4tl#+ as she reached round to sort out the 3ess he had 3ade o4 his *ow tie5 Her accent 3ade her

voice sound even so4ter5 He held still while she tied a $er4ect *ow5 Then she turned hi3 slowl# round and

ste$$ed *ack to ins$ect her work5 She nodded5 >es+ 3# dear5 >ou will do5 =ood5 The#ll *e here soon5 Sur$rised O*lonsk# hasnt arrived alread#+ actuall#5 Hes alwa#s earl#+ drat hi35

Must *e the 3ilitar# training5

The door*ell sounded insistentl# 4ro3 downstairs5

>ou seeG Thatll *e hi3 now5 )la#ing Wagner on the *ell5

Tchaikovsk#+ 3ore likel#+ %nna said5 Dickson will look a4ter hi3 until we are read#5

Sir =eorge nodded5 >es+ good 3an+ Dickson5 He reached 4or his acket5 Wheres 0reddieG

"n *ed5 %nd " dont want #ou going in and distur*ing hi35 Dil#s has onl# ust got hi3 settled+ and #ou know #ou



onl# excite the child5

MeG Sir =eorge was scandalised5 everJ

We have to kee$ hi3 cal35 Cal3 and sa4e5 She turned awa#+ *ut he could still see her sad 4ace re4lected in

the 3irror5 >ou know that5

O4 course " do5 He $ut his hand on her tre3*ling shoulder5 The *o# will *e all right5 We 3ustnt 4uss too

3uch+ #ou know5

She reached u$+ $ut her hand over his without turning+ nodded without s3iling5 "4 she was a*out to re$l#+ she

was interru$ted *# the urgent knock at the door+ then the 4rightened call: Sir+ 3ada3J Can #ou co3e+ $leaseG

Onl# its Mr Dickson+ hes *een hurt5 Theres a lad# and gentle3an555

The Doctor insisted on taking Dickson to the 4ront door and ringing the *ell5 o $oint+ he said+ in dragging hi3

through the servants (uarters5 "4 in dou*t+ go to the to$5

The wo3an who eventuall# o$ened the door looked a*out sixteen+ little 3ore than a kid5 She was wearing an

a$ron+ wi$ing her hands on it5 Mr Dickson+ sirJ she exclai3ed5

Hell *e 4ine+ the Doctor assured her+ hel$ing Dickson into the extensive hallwa#5

Could #ou in4or3 Sir =eorge+ Dickson croaked5

The girl nodded silentl#+ looking $ale as she saw the red 3arks on Dicksons neck5 She turned and ran u$ the

stairs+ holding u$ a$ron and skirts5 The stairs turned hal4wa# u$+ and !ose could see the girl on the galleried

landing+ 4lickering *ehind the *alusters as she ran5

&ets $ut #ou in here+ the Doctor said+ leading Dickson through to a large roo35

Dickson tried to $ull awa#5 But thats the drawing roo3+ sir5

" dont 3ind5

%nd " dont draw+ !ose told hi35

"t was a large+ s(uare roo3 with a high ceiling5 Dark oil $ortraits leaned in 4ro3 several walls+ the severe

ex$ressions o4 the su*ects 3aking the $lace see3 even darker5 Three long so4as do3inated the centre o4 the

roo3+ arranged in 4ront o4 a huge 4ire$lace5 The logs on the 4ire crackled and s3oked5

The Doctor hel$ed Dickson to the nearest so4a and sat hi3 down5 &ets get a $ro$er look at those *ruises5

"ll *e 4ine+ sir+ Dickson $rotested5 " should get to work5 We are ex$ecting guests5

=uests can wait+ !ose told hi35

"ndeed the# can+ #oung lad#5

She turned (uickl#+ sur$rised *# the voice 4ro3 *ehind her5 % 3an was standing in the doorwa#5 He looked to

*e in his 4i4ties+ hair gre# and thinning+ slicked *ack over his $ale scal$5 He was wearing a suit that was ust toos3all5 !ose dou*ted the acket would do u$5 His whole a$$earance was slightl# down at heel and dishevelled

exce$t 4or his $er4ect *ow tie5 But his 4ace was round and kindl#5 His e#es s$arkled with interest and 4riendliness+

though this changed to concern as he looked $ast !ose and saw Dickson slu3$ed on the so4a5 He hurried

across+ 3u3*ling an excuse 3e+ as he $assed !ose5 She 4ollowed hi3 to the so4a and stood *ehind it as he

leaned over Dickson5

"ll *e 4ine+ sir+ Dickson croaked5 The door*ell rang+ and he struggled to get u$5

But the newco3er gentl# $ushed hi3 *ack into the so4a5 onsense+ 3an5 >ou sit there 4or a *it5 &et us sort



#ou out5 Dil#s can answer the door5 He raised his voice and shouted across towards the o$en door: )ut the3 in

the li*rar#+ Dil#s5

This gentle3an and the lad# hel$ed 3e+ sir+ Dickson said5 " was555 attacked5 He see3ed to sur$rise hi3sel4

with the word+ as i4 it had not occurred to hi3 until now what had reall# ha$$ened5

Who *#G the 3an Sir =eorge+ !ose assu3ed de3anded5

Dickson was shaking his head5 ot sure+ sir5 Didnt see5 But the# were asking (uestions+ or so3eone was5

So3eone else who was there+ " think5

LuestionsG

%*out tonight5 %*out the guests5

Sir =eorge reached out to the ar3 o4 the so4a and lowered hi3sel4 care4ull# down *eside his 3anservant5

The# have 4ound us+ he said+ so (uietl# that !ose could onl# ust hear hi35 She looked at the Doctor+ and saw

that he had heard too5

These $eo$le rescued 3e+ Dickson said5

Sir =eorge was staring o44 into s$ace5 But Dicksons words see3ed to *ring hi3 *ack to realit#5 " a3

inde*ted+ sir+ 3ada35 He nodded5 er# 3uch inde*ted5 " thank #ou5 He stood u$+ s(uared his shoulders and

sole3nl# o44ered the Doctor his hand5 Sir =eorge Harding5 " a$ologise i4 #ou have *een inconvenienced5

o $ro*le3+ the Doctor assured hi3+ shaking his hand5

!ose ni$$ed round the so4a and took Sir =eorges hand when the Doctor was done with it5 !ose T#ler+ she

said+ s3iling at hi35 %nd this is the Doctor5

% 3edical 3anG

ot reall#+ the Doctor ad3itted5 But " know a thing or two5 He sucked in his cheeks5 >ou were ex$ecting

thisG

o+ Sir =eorge said at once5 Well+ no 3ore than an#one else5 There have *een several555 incidents locall# in

the last 4ew 3onths5 Those o4 us with an# s3all wealth or $ossessions alwa#s 4ear the worst5

The Doctor nodded+ as i4 he co3$letel# understood5 But so3e 3ore than others+ $erha$s5

The#re ex$ecting guests+ !ose re3inded hi35 We should leave the3 to it5 "4 Mr Dicksons OK5

"ll *e 4ine+ 3iss+ thank #ou+ he croaked5

We have a 4airl# 4ull ta*le+ Sir =eorge said+ *ut the least " can do under the circu3stances is o44er #ou so3e

dinner5 He see3ed genuinel# eager 4or the3 to sta#5 Shouldnt *e too 3uch o4 a s(ueee and cook alwa#s

$rovides 4ar 3ore than we need5

Thank #ou+ Sir =eorge+ the Doctor said5 But "3 sure wed *e in the wa#5

%s #ou wish5 %nother ti3e+ $ra$s+ !ose said5

Well+ let 3e o44er #ou a drink at least5

"n the li*rar#G the Doctor asked5

Does it 3atter whereG

O4 course5 " love *ooks5

!ose cleared her throat5 "d love a drink too+ she said5 But+ 3a#*e " can wash 3# handsG

The Doctor was at once concerned as she showed the3 her $al3s 3udd# and scra$ed+ lines o4 dried *lood



tracing out the scratches 4ro3 where she had 4allen5 "s it still *leedingG " can cauterise the wounds with 3# sonic

o+ thanks+ she said (uickl#5 "ll *e 4ine5 " ust need to wash the 3ud o44 and clean u$ a *it5 Thats all5

Sir =eorge took a ste$ *ackwards+ looking $ale5 "3 sorr#+ he said5 The sight o4 *lood5 " know its not 3uch+

*ut ust the thought o4 it555 He sighed and 4orced a s3ile5 0orgive 3e5 So long as theres no real har3 done5

"ll show Miss T#ler to the guest *athroo3+ Dickson said5 Sir =eorge looked du*ious+ *ut Dickson got to his

4eet+ deter3ined5 "t is the least that " can do+ sir5

er# well5 Sir =eorge s3iled at !ose5 'oin us as soon as #ou wish5 His s3ile *roadened as he looked $ast

!ose towards the door5 %h+ 3# dear5 &et 3e introduce Miss T#ler and Doctor u33555 He glanced at the Doctor+

*ut got no hel$5 %nd the Doctor+ he 4inished5

% wo3an had co3e in5 She looked 3uch #ounger than Sir =eorge+ though !ose guessed she was older than

she see3ed5 She was tall and sli3+ elegantl# dressed read# 4or dinner5 Her hair was 4ixed u$ ela*oratel#+ gre#

streaked with the last vestiges o4 *londe5

M# wi4e+ %nna+ Sir =eorge said+ and his a44ection 4or her was evident in his voice5

Ever#one is here+ =eorge+ i4 #ou are read# to oin us+ %nna said5 !ose could see the lines o4 worr# etched

round the wo3ans e#es+ though she was s3iling now5 Or al3ost ever#one5

Knew O*lonsk# would *e here on ti3e+ Sir =eorge 3u3*led5 So who are we waiting 4orG That !e$$le 4ellow

and his co3$anionG

o+ Mr !e$$le is here5 Were ust waiting 4or the )ainted &ad#5

Ever#thing in the *athroo3 was *ig and chunk#5 Even the ta$s on the large s(uare wash*asin were large silver

a44airs with ears sticking out o4 the to$5 But the water ran hot+ and once the stinging 4ro3 the soa$ a *ig+

chunk# *ar o4 soa$ had su*sided+ the water was soothing5 !ose s$ent several 3inutes with her hands $lunged

into the war3 water+ watching her 4ace *lur and 4ade as the 3irror over the *asin 3isted to gre#5

Dickson had taken her cloak+ and she was 4eeling less worried a*out her $ale green dress now that she had

seen what Sir =eorges wi4e+ %nna+ was wearing5 %nd no one had re3arked on her clothes+ one wa# or another5

So 3a#*e the Doctor was right and the# would si3$l# *lend in+ des$ite his own unorthodox a$$roach5

&eaving the *athroo3+ !ose started down the corridor *ack towards the stairs5 %t least+ she realised as she

3ade her wa# $ast several closed doors+ she thought this was the wa# *ack to the stairs5 Surel# the *athroo3

had *een on their le4t5 Or had itG She $aused+ tr#ing to re3e3*er5 There was a *end in the corridor ahead o4

her5 Did she recall thatG Ma#*e the stairs were ust the other side o4 the turn5

But the# were not5 Back the other wa# then+ she decided5 She 4elt a $ang o4 unreasona*le guilt as one o4 thedoors close to her swung o$en5 % 4ace $eered out 4ro3 the darkness *e#ond5 % *o# o4 a*out ten+ with 4air hair5

His e#es widened as he caught sight o4 !ose+ and the door *egan to swing shut again5

o+ wait+ she called5 "3 lost+ can #ou hel$G

The door o$ened again+ 3ore cautiousl# this ti3e5 She could see the sha$e o4 the *o#s head against the

darkness inside5 Who are #ouG %re #ou here 4or the $art#G

" dont know a*out that5 "3 looking 4or the li*rar#5 "3 su$$osed to see 3# 4riend there 4or a drink *e4ore we

leave5



The *o#s head $oked out into the light and he ins$ected her5 "3 su$$osed to *e aslee$+ he said5

Well+ ust tell 3e the wa# *ack to the stairs+ then5 "ll 4ind 3# wa# 4ro3 there5 She took a ste$ towards hi3+

care4ul not to startle the *o#5 "3 !ose+ nice to 3eet #ou5

The *o# sni44ed+ and shu44led out into the corridor5 0reddie+ he said5

"n the light she could see he was ver# $ale5 His e#es were the darkest thing a*out hi3 an al3ost deathl#

white 4ace+ 4air hair that could do with a co3*+ and he was wearing $ale *lue stri$ed $#a3as5 The sha$e o4 his

4ace was so like %nnas that it was o*vious whose child he was5 !ose 3ight have laughed at the shu44ling 4igure+

*ut 4or the crutch5 He had it crooked under his le4t ar3 and leaned on it as he shu44led 4orwards5 She tried not to

look at it+ not to 3ake hi3 aware that she had noticed5

" can walk without it+ he said5 But its harder+ when "3 tired5

=ood one+ !ose+ she thought5 Shouldnt #ou *e in *edG she said5 >our 3u3 and dad have guests5

Mother and ste$4ather+ he corrected her5 &ike " said+ the# think "3 aslee$+ *ut " want to see whos co3ing5

So3eti3es the# let 3e sta# u$5

But not tonight5

He shook his head5 The#re in the li*rar#G !ose nodded5

"ll show #ou the secret wa#+ 0reddie said5 He set o44 down the corridor+ sur$risingl# (uickl#+ hardl# leaning on

the crutch at all5 Co3e on5

!ose was soon lost as 0reddie led her down another $assagewa#5 This one was 3ore narrow+ the walls

$anelled with dark wood5 He $aused *e4ore several ste$s u$ to a s3all door5

Shhh5 0reddie $ut his 4inger to his li$s5 >oull have to *e (uiet5 We can whis$er+ *ut we 3ustnt let the3 hear+

or555

Or #our ste$4ather will give #ou a good thrashingG !ose wondered5 He had not see3ed the t#$e+ *ut she

could i3agine 0reddie did not want to anger Sir =eorge5

The *o#s answer sur$rised her5 He wouldnt dare+ he said (uietl#5 Then he o$ened the door and ste$$ed

through5

!ose 4ollowed and 4ound hersel4 on a narrow wooden galler#5 0reddie was sitting on the 4loor+ his crutch

*eside hi35 He had $roduced a s3all note*ook and a stu* o4 $encil and was scri**ling awa#5 He $ut his 4inger

to his li$s again as he caught sight o4 !ose+ and 3otioned 4or her to sit down *eside hi3 on the *are wooden

4loor5 !ose crouched down5 She could alread# hear the sounds o4 voices 4ro3 the roo3 *elow+ and now she saw

that the galler# was high u$ a*ove the li*rar#5

0urther along there were wooden shelves+ $acked with dust# *ooks5 Stee$ ste$s s$iralled down into the 3ain

roo35 The li*rar# itsel4 was as *ig as the drawing roo3+ and ever# wall was covered with *ookshelves5 She onl#realised where the door was when a section o4 shelving swung o$en to allow Dickson to enter5 He see3ed to

have recovered 4ro3 his ordeal and was wearing clean white gloves5 He carried a round silver tra# with glasses

on5 !ose watched hi3 walk sti44l# across to where the Doctor and Sir =eorge were standing with several other

$eo$le5

"s that #our 4riendG 0reddie whis$ered+ $ointing through the *alusters5

The Doctor+ #eah5 She leaned 4orward to see what he was writing5

But 0reddie sna$$ed the note*ook shut5 )rivate+ he hissed5



Sorr#5 Who are the othersG

0reddie eased hi3sel4 4urther 4orward so he could see 3ore easil#5 !ose wondered i4 the $eo$le *elow would

notice the3+ *ut the galler# was unlit and it was unlikel# an#one would look u$ so high5

>ou know Mother and 0ather+ 0reddie whis$ered+ $ointing the3 out5

!ose nodded5 Ste$4ather+ #ou said5

M# real 4ather died when " was two5 Be4ore we ca3e here5

"3 sorr#+ !ose 3ur3ured+ *ut the *o# see3ed not to hear5

0reddie $ointed to a large 3an+ *roadFshouldered and roundF4aced5 He had a large *ush#

3oustache that was as *lack as his hair+ and he was wearing a s3art+ white 3ilitar# uni4or35 Thats

Colonel O*lonsk#5 He co3es here a lot to see 0ather+ and the# talk in the stud#5 0reddie sti4led a giggle5

He salutes 3e and calls 3e sir5

!ose s3iled with hi35 The colonel looked so serious it was hard to i3agine hi3 $la#ing with the

child5 %nd those twoG She $ointed to a 4railFlooking cou$le who were sitting on u$right chairs at the

reading ta*le+ talking to 0reddies 3other5 The# *oth looked in their seventies a thinF4aced 3an who

was co3$letel# *ald+ his scal$ crinkled and *lotch#+ and a wo3an who was $ain4ull# thin with hair as

white as cotton wool and a utti ng nose and chin 5 The wo3an re3inded !ose o4 the wicked witch in

Disne#s Snow White + though her ex$ression was kindl#5

The#re cousins o4 Mother+ or so3ething5 But " call the3 Ancle %lex and %unt adia5 The#re ver# kind5

This le4t onl# one other $erson a 3an who had *een taking a drink 4ro3 Dicksons tra#5 He went over

to oin Colonel O*lonsk#+ who greeted hi3 war3l#5

&ord Chitterington+ 0reddie said5 He works in the govern3ent5 The British govern3ent+ he added+ as i4

there 3ight *e an# con4usion5 0ather tells hi3 o44 i4 he tries to $la# with 3e *ecause hes too rough and "

3ustnt get hurt5

That see3ed to *e ever#one5 Colonel O*lonsk# and &ord Chitter ington were standing al3ost *elow the

galler# now+ and !ose leaned 4orward slightl# in an atte3$t to hear what the# were sa#ing5 The#

certainl# see3ed ver# earnest5 But she could 3ake out onl# a 4ew words and $hrases 4ro3 the louder

O*lonsk#5

Did #ou talk with !eill#G he was asking5 "s he with usG

&ord Chitterington re$lied in a (uiet voice that !ose could not hear+ and O*lonsk# 3uttered

so3ething *ack5

But !ose was no longer listening5 She had all *ut dis3issed the other guests 4ro3 her 3ind5 0urther

under the galler# stood two 3ore $eo$le5 She caught *arel# a gli3$se o4 the3+ exce$t that Sir =eorgehad now excused hi3sel4 4ro3 the Doctor and oined the two 3en5 Their voices were clear+ 4loating u$

through the galler# to where !ose and 0reddie were sitting5

" trust #ou are not *ored alread# with our co3$an#+ Sir =eorge was sa#ing5

Who are the#G !ose 3outhed to 0reddie+ suddenl# worried that the 3en *elow 3ight hear her5

0reddie shrugged and shook his head5 !ose s trained to hear+ listening so intentl# she could ust 3ake

out a clock ticking so3ewhere under the galler#5

0orgive 3e+ Sir =eorge+ one o4 the 3en re$lied5 His voice was clear and without a noticea*le accent5 A$$er



class without *eing $osh5 English without a region5 Maor %ske and 3#sel4 have had a long da#5 %nd #ou will

a$$reciate that until we hear what #ou have to sa# " a3 not inclined to give awa# too 3uch a*out 3# own $lans

and a3*itions5

O4 course+ sir5 " (uite understand5

The second 3an Maor %ske said+ But !e$$le is keen to o44er what hel$ he can to #our no*le cause5 We

can see+ as #ou can+ the si3ilarit# *etween #our own $light and ours5

Or rather+ the *o#s $light+ the 4irst 3an !e$$le added5 !ose saw 0reddie 4rown at the words5 )erha$s

the# were talking a*out a di44erent *o#5

>ou are ver# kind5 %nd it is good o4 #ou to acce$t 3# invitation+ Sir =eorge said5 0orgive 3e+ sir+ *ut " a3 not

sure (uite how #ou $re4er to *e addressed5

Antil " can use 3# $ro$er title without 4ear or co3$etition+ " use none5 )lease address 3e si3$l# as !e$$le5

The general sound o4 $eo$le talking see3ed to increase+ $erha$s as the guests drank and 4elt 3ore at ease5

"t 3ade it di44icult to catch an#thing other than the odd word here and there5 Beside !ose+ 0reddie was #awning5

" think its ti3e to go+ !ose whis$ered5 >ou need to get *ack to *ed5

The *o# looked 4or a 3o3ent as i4 he was a*out to $rotest5 But then he #awned again+ and that see3ed to

convince hi3 and he nodded5 !ose hel$ed hi3 to his 4eet and the# cre$t (uietl# 4ro3 the galler# and *ack down

the narrow $assage *e#ond5

On the wa# *ack to his roo3+ 0reddie hardl# see3ed to use his crutch5 "s #our leg 4eeling *etterG !ose

asked5

"t ust gets tired+ he said+ as i4 it was nothing5 Mu3 likes 3e to use the crutch at ho3e so " wont 4all and hurt

3#sel45 " dont use it in $u*lic5 That would look like weakness5

The# were *ack at his roo3 now5 0reddie o$ened the door+ and $aused long enough to give !ose (uick

directions to the 3ain stairs5 He turned to go inside+ then changed his 3ind and turned *ack5

Thank #ou+ !ose+ he said5

She laughed5 0or whatG >oure hel$ing 3e+ re3e3*erG

He nodded+ suddenl# sole3n5 "t was 4un though+ seeing the grownFu$s5 He #awned again+ then went inside

the roo35 =ood*#e5 The door closed (uietl# *ehind hi35

The# see3ed like nice enough $eo$le+ !ose said5 She had 4ound her wa# to the li*rar# and the Doctor had

introduced her to ever#one 0reddie had alread# $ointed out5 !ose was i3$ressed he could re3e3*er all their

na3es5

Ancle %lex and %unt adia+ the Doctor introduced as Count %lexander and Countess adia Kon#shev5 The#s$oke with heav# accents which !ose guessed were !ussian5 The two 3en under the galler# !e$$le and

Maor %ske were *oth tall and sli3+ and looked like soldiers+ though the# were dressed s3artl# in dark suits5

%ske see3ed #ounger+ $erha$s in his late twenties+ with light *rown hair and a s3attering o4 4reckles across his

lean 4ace5 He stood ver# straight+ with one hand $er3anentl# in his acket $ocket5 !e$$le had a darker

co3$lexion his hair was *lack as night+ and his 4eatures were handso3e and s#33etrical5 !ose 4ound hersel4

looking at hi3 4or longer than she should+ to the Doctors undisguised a3use3ent5

But there was so3ething a*out the at3os$here in the li*rar# as the $eo$le waited 4or the last guest+



so3ething strained and slightl# awkward5 !ose had $la#ed the goose*err# o4ten enough to know that it was the

$resence o4 hersel4 and the Doctor that was the sti4ling 4actor5 She got the i3$ression that ever#one else was

waiting 4or the3 to leave so the# could get on with whatever it was the# reall# wanted to *e doing5

The 3ist was thickening as the# 3ade their wa# *ack down the street towards the #ard where the T%!D"S

had landed5 The gates were closed again+ and to the Doctors evident anno#ance the# were once 3ore locked5

He sighed and $roduced his sonic screwdriver 4ro3 his coat $ocket5

" dont know what the#re u$ to+ he con4essed+ setting to work once 3ore on the lock5 But the#re certainl#

hiding so3ething5

So3ething that got $oor Dickson attackedG

The Doctor 3ade a nonco33ittal sound and the lock clicked o$en5 Sir =eorge see3ed to think so+ onl# he

wouldnt ad3it it5 He $ushed o$en the gate and stared into the darkness o4 the #ard5

ot that it 3atters to us+ " guess+ !ose said5 What do we do+ sit around till 3orning or ust 3ove onG

"t 3ight 3atter a lot+ the Doctor said5 He 3ade no atte3$t to enter the #ard+ ust stood there in the gatewa#+

staring in5 He gave the gate a shove so that it swung o$en+ allowing !ose to see into the #ard as well5

The e3$t# #ard5

Because+ the Doctor continued in the sa3e 3atterFo4F4act tone as the 4irst rain *egan to 4all+ it 3ight *e

whoever attacked Dickson that took the T%!D"S5



WO

The# s$ent what see3ed like 4or ever $acing the da3$ streets5 The air was so da3$ it was hard to tell i4 it was

3ist or drile5 %t 4irst+ !ose thought the Doctor had a de4inite $lan+ that he had so3e idea where to look 4or the

T%!D"S5 But a4ter 4ollowing hi3 down #et another street she realised he had no *etter idea than she did5

Think+ think+ think+ he hissed to hi3sel4 as the# stood on a nondescri$t street corner *eside a $ost*ox+ its red

the onl# colour in the gre#Fdark world5

Ma#*e so3eone ust took a 4anc# to it+ !ose suggested5

ot likel#5 Big coincidence5

So so3eone saw us arrive5 Or knows what the T%!D"S is5

Ma#*e5 He wiggled his 4ingers encouragingl#5 More ideas+ 3ore clues5

So3eone attacked Dickson+ rightG We saved hi35 Ma#*e that na44ed the3 o445

Could *e5 MoreG

=ot to *e connected+ hasnt itG she said5

The Doctor nodded several ti3es ra$idl#5 See3s likel#5

%nd Sir =eorge was a4raid o4 so3eone or so3ething5 Thought it was a deli*erate attack5 Certainl# deli*erate5 %nd 3otivated5

So what nowG

The Doctor licked a 4inger and stuck it in the air as i4 testing the strength and direction o4 the *reee5 That

wa#5 He $ointed *ack the wa# the# had co3e5

SureG

)ositive5 He set o44 at a con4ident og5

To the T%!D"SG "t see3ed to !ose that it was as good as 4ound5

But his res$onse da3$ened her s$irits as 3uch as the increasing rain5 ah5 Back to Sir =eorge5 Thats the

onl# connection the onl# clue weve got5

Ho$e #ou re3e3*er the wa#5

The light drile (uickl# turned to heav# rain+ and the# had to dance round the growing $uddles5 The# arrived

*ack at the house ust as a large *lack car was drawing u$5 The driver was a *lank silhouette against the light

4ro3 the house5 There was the outline o4 a wo3an sitting in the *ack5

Dickson a$$eared as i4 *# intuition+ co3$lete with un4urled u3*rella which he $ut u$ as he hurried down the

ste$s5 His e#es widened slightl# in wellFdisguised sur$rise as he saw the Doctor and !ose5



We decided to take u$ the o44er o4 dinner a4ter all+ the Doctor told hi35

"4 its still o$en+ !ose added5

" a3 sure it is+ sir5 )lease+ do go in5 " shall *e with #ou in a 3o3ent5 Dickson returned his $ro4essional

attention to holding the u3*rella over the wo3an 4ro3 the *ack o4 the car as she ste$$ed out on to the

$ave3ent5

He 3ight have o44ered us the u3*rella+ !ose co3$lained+ shaking the water out o4 her hair and *rushing it o44

her cloak5

%nd let the $aint runG

What do #ou 3eanG

0or an answer+ the Doctor nodded at the wo3an now ste$$ing into the hallwa# *ehind the35 Dickson stood in

the doorwa# *ehind her+ $utting down the u3*rella5

But !oses attention was 4ixed on the wo3an5 On her 4ace5 She looked as i4 she had ste$$ed out o4 a 3asked

*all5 Her dress was $ale+ shi33ering silk+ *lowing round her in the *reee 4ro3 the o$en door5 Her 4la3eFred

hair was allowed to cascade down to her *are shoulders5 But her 4ace was covered with a thin 3ask in the

sha$e o4 a *utter4l#+ so that onl# her 3outh was visi*le5 The 3ask was $ainted in *right colours #ellow+ red+

*lue and green and scattered with se(uins5 % delicate *lue 4eather 4ra3ed each side o4 it+ contrasting with the

red o4 her hair5 Startlingl# *lue e#es looked out un*linkingl# through al3ondFsha$ed holes5

How do #ou doG she said+ her voice so4t and clo#ing as hone#5 " dont *elieve we have 3et5 She held out a

hand to the Doctor+ and !ose saw that her white glove reached u$ to her el*ow5 0ro3 the wa# she angled the

*ack o4 her hand towards hi3+ it was o*vious the Doctor was ex$ected to kiss it5 But instead he took it gentl#

and gave it a $olite shake5

"3 the Doctor+ he said5 %nd this is 3# 4riend !ose5

The wo3an nodded+ an# disa$$oint3ent hidden *ehind the 3ask5 Melissa Heart+ she said5 She nodded

slightl# at !ose+ an acknowledge3ent+ no 3ore5 " assu3e that #ou+ like 3e+ are here 4or the cons$irac#5

Des$ite the $resence o4 Melissa Heart a$ologising $ro4usel# 4or having 3issed dinner it was a reduced

co3$an# that sat in the dining roo35 Dinner had *een cleared awa#+ and the# sat drinking $ale wine 4ro3 s3all

3ultiF4aceted glasses5 The Doctor+ !ose and Melissa sat in the s$are chairs recentl# vacated at the de$arture

o4 the Kon#shevs and &ord Chitterington5

%t least there were 4ewer na3es to re3e3*er+ !ose thought+ even i4 there was nothing le4t to eat exce$t a

disa$$oint# s3all slice o4 a$$le $ie5

The Doctor had a$ologised to Sir =eorge and acce$ted the renewed o44er o4 dinner5 Or at least dessert5 Hehad ex$lained that the# had *een let down and lost their lodgings5 Sir =eorge i33ediatel# o44ered to let the3

sta# at the house+ *ut his wi4e gentl# $ointed out that the# alread# had guests and it 3ight *e rather crowded5

o $ro*le3+ the Doctor said5 Well 4ind a hotel or so3ething5

There are roo3s at the "3$erial Clu*+ !e$$le announced5 "3 sure we can vouch 4or #ou there+ at least 4or a

da# or two until #ou 4ind alternative acco33odation5

"3 so glad thats settled+ Melissa Heart said+ cla$$ing her hands together in a$$arent delight5 " have onl# ust

3oved into 3# own house %nthon# Hu**ards old house+ *# the river+ $erha$s #ou know itG But+ as " sa#+ "



have *arel# un$acked+ so "3 a4raid acco33odation would *e di44icult5

The Doctor 4ielded the various o*vious and $olite (uestions that acco3$anied the arrival o4 the a$$le $ie5

The# were in &ondon 4or a 4ew da#s to see the British E3$ire Exhi*ition5 >es+ the# were looking 4orward to it5

>es+ the# knew the cit# *ut had *een out o4 town 4or a while5 Travelling5 The ex$ressionless 4ace o4 Melissa

Heart the )ainted &ad#+ as !ose re3e3*ered so3eone had called her watched the Doctor intentl# as he

s$oke+ see3ing to a*sor* his ever# word5

So+ the Doctor said as he $oked his s$oon at his $ie+ whats this cons$irac# all a*outG

The sudden silence was *roken *# the sound o4 so3eones involuntar# gas$5

Dont want to talk a*out itG The Doctor shrugged and nodded s#3$atheticall#5 He stood u$+ took o44 his

leather acket+ and hung it over the *ack o4 the chair5 Then he sat down again5 Tell #ou what+ then wh# dont "

guessG

!ose looked round the ta*le to see what reaction this $rovoked5 Sir =eorge was leaning *ack in his chair+ i4

an#thing see3ing slightl# a3used5 His wi4e+ *# contrast+ looked nervous and unsettled5 Colonel O*lonsk# had

gone red and his li$s (uivered in anger5 %ske+ !e$$le and the )ainted &ad# were all e(uall# i3$assive and

unreada*le5

The Doctor sni44ed5 Or we can 4inish our $ud and leave #ou to get on with it5 Thanks 4or the nosh5 " dont want

to i3$ose or intrude5

How intriguing5 "t was Melissa Heart who s$oke5 %s a newco3er to this little grou$+ " would *e interested

3#sel4 to hear the details5 "nterested also to see i4 what the Doctor has gleaned is an#thing a$$roaching the

truth5

%nd how do we know he is not a Bolshevik agentG O*lonsk# roared+ his anger 4inall# getting the *etter o4

hi35 " sa# we throw hi3 into the street5 He leaned heavil# 4orwards+ scattering cutler#5 Once we have

deter3ined how 3uch he knows and who he is working 4or5

"3 no ones agent+ the Doctor said (uietl#5

=entle3en+ $lease5 Sir =eorge stood u$+ tossing his na$kin down on his side $late5 But O*lonsk# $aid no

attention+ continuing to stare 3alevolentl# at the Doctor and !ose5

"t was Maor %ske who cal3ed the situation5 He cleared his throat+ and said (uietl#+ " dou*t a Bolshevik agent+

or an# sort o4 agent+ would *e so *old as to invite hi3sel4 to dinner and o44er to ex$lain #our $lans+ Colonel5

!e$$le and " are constantl# alert to the $ossi*ilit# o4 s$ies+ in4iltrators+ agents and assassins5

!e$$le held u$ his hand as %ske 4inished s$eaking5 The Doctor is o*viousl# none o4 these5 He and his

co3$anion 3a# *e a*le to hel$5 &et us kee$ an o$en 3ind5

O*lonsk# leaned *ack+ 4olding his ar3s+ still angr#5 " a3 #et to *e convinced5 Well thats a start+ the Doctor said ha$$il#5 He raised his glass in a 3ock toast+ then si$$ed at the wine5

M33+ .7.;+ he declared5

ot even close+ Sir =eorge said5 "ts a .7/. claret5

" didnt 3ean the wine+ the Doctor said sternl#5 Though i4 " did " 3ight tell #ou the gra$es ca3e 4ro3 a s3all

vine#ard ust outside Brianon5 o+ he went on (uickl# enough 4or !ose to guess he had 3ade this u$+ " 3ean

the !ussian !evolution5

"ts not hard to guess+ !ose said+ seeing their sur$rised 4aces5 ot that she had actuall# guessed until now5



ot that she had a clue reall# what he was on a*out5 There are a lot o4 !ussians here5 The colonel+ the

Kon#shevs earlier5

%nd &ad# %nna+ the Doctor added5

%nna nodded+ her raised e#e*rows the onl# hint o4 her sur$rise5 " le4t in Octo*er .7.;5 With 3# hus*and and

3# #oung son5

>our 4irst hus*and+ !ose said+ and was $leased to see the Doctor raise an e#e*row as %nna nodded5

" had 3et Sir =eorge when he was at the British E3*ass# in Moscow5 He was the onl# $erson " knew well

enough to ask 4or hel$ when " got to &ondon5 She reached across the ta*le and took his hand5

So+ !ose said+ keen to 3ake the 3ost o4 her success so 4ar+ we have so3e dis$ossessed !ussians+ and

!e$$le here is a 3an who has lost his title and wants it *ack5 >ou all want to kick out &enin and co5 and reclai3

#our lost lands+ is that itG She grinned+ $leased with hersel45

The )ainted &ad# cla$$ed her hands together in a$$arent ad3iration5

o+ Colonel O*lonsk# said5

Oh5+

Shes close though+ the Doctor said5 He grinned at her5 ot *ad5

Oh+ cheers+ !ose 3uttered5

She is right a*out 3e+ !e$$le said5 He got to his 4eet and looked round5 %ske sighed and turned awa#5 But

!e$$le ignored hi35 " shall not rest until " have reclai3ed 3# *irthright5 o+ not in !ussia5 Antil the cou$ that

took $ower 4ro3 3e+ until " was *randed a cri3inal and sent into exile+ " was the Elector the king i4 #ou will o4

Dastaria5 When " return+ the $eo$le will rise u$ and drive out the o$$ressors who have laid waste our ho3eland5

Sir+ %ske said (uietl#+ we shall triu3$h5 But we 3ust take it gentl# and slowl#5 Tread care4ull#5 Ca$italise on

what su$$ort and allies we have5 ot draw unwanted attention5

We 3ust hel$ our 4riends too+ !e$$le said5 " a3 sorr# that we can do little save lend our su$$ort and our

na3e to #our enter$rise+ 3# 4riends5 But Dastaria shares a *order with !ussia5 >our cause is a no*le one5 What

hel$ we can o44er+ we shall even 4ro3 exile5

" 4ear it will *e little enough+ %ske said (uietl#5

"t would see3+ O*lonsk# said+ that #ou have a wa# o4 eliciting in4or3ation+ Doctor5 )erha$s #ou are not an

agent o4 &enin or Trotsk# and their lacke#s5 But now #ou know it all5

The Doctor nodded5 %l3ost all5 0or an# chance o4 success so long a4ter the revolution+ #ou 3ust have a

tru3$ card5 So3ething #ou can use to rall# su$$ort5 Enthuse the $eo$le5

=o on+ Sir =eorge $ro3$ted5

" think #ou intend to return to !ussia with the heir to the throne5 He grinned suddenl#5 %3 " right+ or a3 "rightG The silence was con4ir3ation enough5 %ll e#es were now on the Doctor5

Exce$t 4or !oses5 She looked round at the other diners+ and to her sur$rise she saw that while Melissa

Hearts 3ask was 4acing the Doctor+ her e#es were angled towards !e$$le5

ow+ the Doctor went on+ the colonel here could *e the right4ul Tsar o4 all the !ussias5 But hes 3ore o4 a

3ilitar# 3an5 &o#al soldier+ #esG Succession doesnt include wo3en 4or all sorts o4 illFin4or3ed 3edieval

reasons5 So+ " suggest the Tsar is555 Count Kon#shev+ though he didnt 4anc# the $ie5 He sat *ack like a

conuror awaiting a$$lause5 There was onl# silence5 "n the *allroo3G he added ho$e4ull#5 With the 0a*ergN



eggG

But !ose could see it now5 %n odd snatch o4 conversation+ a strange co33ent+ rose in her 3ind: He wouldnt

dare5 She 3ust have gas$ed out loud+ *ecause ever#one had now turned towards her5 "ts 0reddie+ isnt itG she

said5 0reddie is the right4ul Tsar o4 !ussia5

The rest o4 the stor# details and loose ends ca3e out as the# 4inished the 3eal5 %nna %nastasia was a

cousin o4 Tsar icholas "" and also related to Lueen ictoria5 Her 4irst hus*and had *een a cousin o4 the late

Tsarina5 With the Tsar and his i33ediate 4a3il# dead+ together with countless other relatives+ the tenF#earFold

0rederick was next in the line o4 succession5

Colonel O*lonsk# had *een head o4 the Tsars $ersonal guard+ and he see3ed to *la3e hi3sel4 4or the

success o4 the revolution5 The Kon#shevs were lo#al su$$orters o4 the Tsar5 &ord Chitterington had *een there

to o44er the clandestine su$$ort o4 the British govern3ent su$$ort which he stressed would not extend to

3ilitar# intervention+ *ut which 3ight ust run to 4inancial hel$ and di$lo3atic introductions5

!e$$le again 3ade it clear that he could o44er little 3ore than su$$ortive words until he was restored to his

own throne5 Ma#*e he was ho$ing to return to Dastaria with the hel$ and intervention o4 a restored Tsar5 Even

without knowing how histor# was destined to turn out+ it see3ed to !ose that the cons$irators could do little

3ore than talk and $lan5

Wh# are #ou hereG !ose asked Melissa Heart a4ter the 3eal+ as the# headed towards the drawing roo3 to

continue their discussions5

Oh+ 3# dear+ she said+ it will *e such 4un5 %nd " have got to know so ver# 3an# $eo$le since " ca3e to

&ondon5

But 4un or not+ Melissa Heart declined to oin the others in the drawing roo35 She 3ade her a$ologies+ and le4t

the3 in the hallwa#5 " can see 3#sel4 out+ she assured Dickson+ who was carr#ing through a tantalus containing

two decanters o4 $ort5

!ose lingered a 3o3ent in the hallwa# *e4ore 4ollowing the others5 Melissa Heart watched her 4ro3 *ehind

her 3ask+ as i4 waiting 4or !ose to leave *e4ore she did5 The e44ect was unsettling5 !ose turned to 4ollow the

Doctor into the drawing roo35

%s she did so+ she caught sight o4 so3ething on the stairs the 4aintest o4 3ove3ents 4ro3 *ehind the

*alusters that ran along the landing5 She $aused+ $eering into the gloo3# distance5 % hand a$$eared+ ust 4or a

3o3ent+ a*ove the rail5 "t waved5 !ose glanced at Melissa Heart to 3ake sure she wasnt watching+ then she

waved (uickl# *ack5

=oodnight+ 0reddie+ !ose 3ur3ured as she turned to go5

With Melissa gone+ and %nna retired to *ed+ there was onl# Sir =eorge+ Colonel O*lonsk#+ %ske and !e$$le le4t

with !ose and the Doctor in the drawing roo35

" 3ake no $retence that this will *e eas#+ gentle3en+ Miss T#ler+ O*lonsk# declared5 His accented voice was

slightl# slurred *# the wine and $ort5 "t will *e a long and di44icult $rocess and we are *# no 3eans read# to

e3*ark on a 4ullFscale reinvasion o4 the 3otherland5

Sir =eorge nodded and cla$$ed a 4riendl# hand on the colonels shoulder5 We are under no illusions+ he



agreed5 " *elieve #oung 0reddie will have reached 3aturit# *e4ore we can hel$ hi3 reclai3 his *irthright5

The#ve no ho$e+ have the#+ DoctorG !ose said (uietl# as the# stood at the other end o4 the roo3+ ad3iring a

dark $ortrait o4 a serious lad#5

one+ he re$lied5 He sounded genuinel# sad5 But its good to drea35 The#re doing no har35

What a*out the attack on DicksonG

So3ething else entirel#+ " think5 He 4rowned *ack at the wo3an in the $icture5 Dunno what+ though5

%t the other end o4 the roo3+ !e$$le and O*lonsk# were dee$ in serious conversation5 %ske drew Sir =eorge

to one side+ closer to the Doctor and !ose5 She heard hi3 sa#+ " wonder+ Sir =eorge+ i4 #ou could s$are 3e a

4ew 3o3ents alone5 There is so3ething " wish to s$eak to #ou a*out5 "t is555 He $aused and glanced over at

!e$$le and O*lonsk#5 "t is so3ewhat delicate5

The li*rar#G Sir =eorge suggested5 The two 3en each nodded $olitel# to the Doctor and !ose as the# le4t5

Dickson had returned and was collecting e3$t# glasses5 The Doctor sto$$ed hi3 as he $assed5

SirG

This evening tell us again exactl# what ha$$ened5 %s 3uch detail as #ou can5

"4 he was sur$rised or unwilling+ he gave no sign5 " heard a strange sound+ saw a light co3ing 4ro3 the #ard5

So " went to look5

Then whatG !ose asked5

He shrugged5 % hand gra**ed 3e 4ro3 *ehind5 Cla3$ed over 3# 3outh+ turning 3e round5 Then another

hand was on 3# throat5 it was cold+ " re3e3*er5 er# cold5

Cold as 3etal+ the Doctor 3ur3ured5

Dickson nodded5 " struggled+ *ut the# were too strong5 " could not *reak awa#5 Then there was a voice+ (uiet+

al3ost 3elodic555 He 4rowned into the distance as he re3e3*ered5 Telling 3e that " had to answer (uestions5 "t

asked 3e a*out Sir =eorge and the guests due this evening+ *ut *e4ore " could re$l# #ou ca3e along5 He

shrugged and took the glass the Doctor o44ered5

othing elseG o s3all detail #ou 3ightve overlookedG

There was so3ething odd+ #es5 % sound5

The door o$ened again *e4ore he could go on5 Sir =eorge was looking grave+ %ske a$ologetic+ as the#

returned5

" do understand+ Sir =eorge said as the# crossed the roo35 An4ortunate+ *ut it cannot *e hel$ed5

>ou are ver# kind+ sir+ %ske re$lied5 O4 course+ an#thing we can do to hel$555

"t is ti3e we were going+ !e$$le announced5

Colonel O*lonsk# saluted and !e$$le nodded in acknowledge3ent5 Doctor+ Miss T#ler+ !e$$le said as he ca3e over+ it is a short walk to the i3$erial Clu*5 Or we can call 4or a

car i4 #ou would rather5

Short walk sounds great+ the Doctor said5 "ll get 3# coat5 He 4roe+ 3idwa# to the door5 >ou hear thatG

WhatG Sir =eorge asked+ cocking his head to one side5

" thought555 The Doctor 4rowned5 >eah+ there it is again5 Ticking5

!ose could hear it too+ now that the Doctor 3entioned it5 % low+ dull clicking+ *arel# audi*le5 "ts a clock+ she

said5



There is no clock+ Colonel O*lonsk# re$lied (uietl#5

Thats right+ Sir =eorge agreed5 o clocks in the drawing roo35 There was one5 "t *roke5 He shrugged+

a$ologeticall#5 Cant hear an#thing 3#sel45

"ts ver# (uiet+ the Doctor said5

%ske and !e$$le exchanged looks5 Both shrugged+ not convinced5

But Dickson was standing alert and still5 Thats it+ sir+ he said+ his voice a hoarse whis$er5 Thats what "

heard5 When " was attacked5

Must *e co3ing 4ro3 the hall+ Sir =eorge said5 Theres the grand4ather out there5

The hall+ the Doctor 3ur3ured+ o4 course5 He $ut his 4inger to his li$s+ and went (uickl# and (uietl# to the

door5 He $aused a 3o3ent+ then #anked it suddenl# o$en5

There was no one there5

Te3$us 4ugit + the Doctor said5



H!EE

The Doctor+ t#$icall#+ was 3ore concerned a*out 4inding his acket than the 4act so3eone 3ight have *een

listening at the door5 Des$ite Dicksons assurances that he would ask the sta44 in the 3orning and he was sure it

would turn u$+ the Doctor was (uiet5

He walked the 3ile through the cold dark streets with his ar3s 4olded and a vanilla ex$ression on his 4ace5 He

said al3ost nothing5 !ose o44ered to lend hi3 her cloak+ *ut he told her not to *e da4t5

"3 not cold5 its the $rinci$le5 Biarrel#+ he was also 3ore u$set a*out his acket disa$$earing 4ro3 the dining

roo3 than he had see3ed at the loss o4 the T%!D"S+ though it 3ight *e so3e sort o4 dis$laced anxiet#5 %nd his

sonic screwdriver was in the $ocket5 But !ose was with Dickson+ who reckoned so3eone had si3$l# tidied it

awa# and the thing would turn u$ in the 3orning5 Sir =eorge+ a$ologetic and $olite+ $ro3ised to have it sent over

as soon as it was 4ound5

But the net result was that the walk to the "3$erial Clu* was rather su*dued5 !e$$le see3ed lost in a world o4

his own+ rather like the Doctor5 %ske talked $olitel# to !ose+ wondering how well she knew &ondon5 He see3ed

interested to hear that she was going to the British E3$ire Exhi*ition+ con4essing that he had not *een hi3sel4+

*ut several o4 the $eo$le sta#ing at the clu* had and $roclai3ed it to *e a great success and ver# i3$ressive5 The Doctor *rightened when %ske $ointed out a large+ i3$osing *uilding ahead o4 the3 as the i3$erial Clu*5

We have to *e 3e3*ersG he wondered5

" shall vouch 4or #ou+ !e$$le announced5

The clu* was esta*lished a4ter the =reat War as a 4ocal $oint+ a 3eeting $lace+ 4or the dis$ossessed no*ilit#

o4 Euro$e and the Co33onwealth+ %ske said5 So 3an# things ended in 0landers+ not ust here and in 0rance

and =er3an# *ut right across the world5

So 3an# lives+ the Doctor re3inded hi3 (uietl#5

%ske nodded gri3l#+ one hand thrust dee$ in his acket $ocket5 The ulti3ate sacri4ice5

Such a waste+ !e$$le added5 %nd it $reci$itated so 3uch 3ore5 The !ussian !evolution+ 4or exa3$le5 There

will *e so 3uch 3ore *lood *e4ore all this is ended5

To answer #our (uestion+ Doctor+ #ou do not have to *e 3e3*ers+ %ske said5 Though i4 #ou desire to sta#

4or 3ore than a 4ew da#s+ then #ou will *e ex$ected to $rovide evidence that #ou are o4 no*le *irth+

dis$ossessed *# con4lict5

The Doctor nodded+ so3*re again 4or a 3o3ent5 %n#things $ossi*le+ he 3ur3ured+ staring into the distance5

The =reat War5



So who runs this $laceG !ose wanted to know as !e$$le led the3 u$ the ste$s to the i3$osing dou*le

doors5

The doors o$ened 4or the3+ and a 3an in a s3art door3ans uni4or3 saluted5 !e$$le nodded+ and %ske

saluted in return5 The Doctor s3iled and waved his hand in acknowledge3ent5

Cheers+ !ose said5

The door3an closed the doors *ehind the3+ and took their coats5

" dont have one+ the Doctor said glu3l#5

er# good+ sir+ the door3an re$lied5

o+ its not5

%ske caught the door3ans attention *e4ore the Doctor could continue5 "s Mr W#se still u$G

>oull 4ind hi3 in the Bastille !oo3+ sir5

W#se runs the $lace+ in e44ect+ %ske ex$lained as he led the3 through the large 4o#er5 Mar*le colu3ns rose

u$ to a vaulted roo4+ and a wide stone staircase curved u$ to the 4loors a*ove5 There were several corridors o44

4ro3 the entrance hall+ all o4 the3 $anelled with dark wood and hung with $aintings and $ictures5 The corridor he

led the3 through was decorated with woodcuts and watercolours de$icting events o4 the 0rench !evolution5

The Doctor $aused to ins$ect one o4 the $ictures5 Thats not right+ he told !ose5 But he 3oved on without

ela*orating5

W#se is a resident here+ %ske was sa#ing5 "3 not sure exactl# what his status is+ *ut the sta44 see3 to de4er

to hi35

The# e3erged into an enor3ous roo35 The wooden $anelling continued round the walls to shoulder height+

3aking it see3 ver# dark+ des$ite the 3an# wall lights5 % chandelier hung down in the 3iddle o4 the roo3+

s$arkling like a cluster o4 stars in the night sk#5 % large 4ire crackled and s$at in an enor3ous stone 4ire$lace+ on

the o$$osite wall to the door the# had co3e in *#5 &eather ar3chairs and s3all leather so4as were arranged

round low ta*les so that each o4 the 3an# seating areas was an island in the large roo35 %t 4irst glance the $lace

see3ed e3$t#5

Then a head a$$eared round the *ack o4 one o4 the ar3chairs5 % hand waved5 Evening to #ou+ a cheer#

voice called5 Care to oin 3e 4or a nightca$ or whateverG The head disa$$eared+ and a 3o3ent later the 3an

had got to his 4eet and e3erged 4ro3 the other side o4 the chair5

He was a tall+ wellF*uilt 3an in his 3idF4orties with short *rown hair that could have *een *etter *ehaved5 &ike

%ske and !e$$le+ he was dressed in a dark suit5 Anlike the3+ and to !oses a3use3ent+ he was wearing a

3onocle5 She ho$ed he would do that thing where the 3onocle 4ell out and dangled on a chain5 But+ to her

disa$$oint3ent+ he $ushed it 4ir3l# into $lace and regarded the3 all with interest5 Well+ what have we hereG the 3an declared as he looked at the Doctor and !ose5 More re4ugees 4ro3 the

$alaces and 3ansions o4 Euro$e+ or ust a cou$le o4 visitors+ whatG

>ou 3ust *e Mr W#se+ the Doctor decided+ striding through the 4urniture to shake his outstretched hand5

&ord W#se as a $oint o4 actual 4act5 But we dont stand on cere3on#+ dear 3e no5 'ust W#se will do ver#

nicel#+ thankee5 Too 3an# $eo$le like !e$$le here have lost too 3uch 4or those o4 us with an#thing le4t to 4launt

it in their 4aces5 He gestured 4or the3 to sit down5 !ose saw that there was a chess set on a *oard on the ta*le

in 4ront o4 where W#se had *een sitting+ in the 3iddle o4 a ga3e5



Oh+ ignore 3# rather ine$t atte3$t to *eat 3esel4 at chess+ wont #ouG W#se said+ s3iling+ and to !oses illF

concealed delight the 3onocle did $o$ out o4 his e#e and swing on a thin chain5 %nd shi4t that dra4ted cat out o4

the wa#5 Old Hector was sitting there earlier+ and " think the thing likes the residual war3th5

The cat that was stretched out on the so4a *linked its e#es o$en at the noise5 "t rolled on to its *ack and !ose

watched its claws extend+ curl+ then retract as it #awned5 "t was a *lack cat+ with a $ale triangle o4 lighter 4ur

under its chin5 She reached down and stroked the $ale 4ur+ and was rewarded with a $urr and the intense stare

o4 the cats dee$ glass# e#es5 %4ter a 3o3ent it stretched again+ then lea$ed down 4ro3 the so4a and slunk o44

under the chair where W#se had sat hi3sel4 down again5

Whats its na3eG !ose asked5

Oh dear+ #ouve got 3e there5 W#se s3iled5 'ust call it the cat 3esel45 Been here longer than " have+ that

cat5 But s$eaking o4 na3es555

"3 !ose5 This is the Doctor5

Hi+ the Doctor said+ slu3$ing hi3sel4 down where the cat had *een5 Were told #oure the 3an to ask a*out a

roo3 4or the night5 Ma#*e two nights5

W#se laughed5 othing 3uch to do with 3e+ *ut " can $ut in a word i4 #ou think it will hel$5 "ve *een here

longer than an#one else+ so when Mr )ooters awa# the# listen to 3e5 "ll tell Crowther to 3ake u$ a cou$le o4

roo3s5 Have to *e on the third 4loor+ 3ind5 )rett# 4ull at the 3o3ent+ and were not terri*l# *ig reall#+ #ou know5

Mr )ooter+ %ske said+ is the gentle3an who endowed the clu* originall#5 "t is run *# a *oard o4 trustees that

3eets regularl#5 Mr )ooter is the chair3an o4 that *oard5

ot here now+ though+ W#se said5 He lives on the 4ourth 4loor+ to$ o4 the *uilding+ and he likes his $rivac#5 Bit

o4 a recluse+ " think5 When hes not travelling5 &ikes his own co3$an#5

>eah+ dont we all+ the Doctor agreed5

>ou all right+ !e$$leG W#se asked+ leaning 4orwards5 !e$$le was sitting in the ar3chair o$$osite with his

e#es closed5 The# o$ened slowl# at W#ses words+ and he stared *ack at the other 3an5

" have had a *us# da#+ he said5 "ts late5 His e#es closed again+ and his head sli$$ed to one side5

>es+ #oure looking a *it run down+ W#se decided5 "ll give hi3 a hand getting to his roo35

Theres no need+ %ske said (uickl#5

Oh+ no trou*le5 >ou sta# and talk to #our 4riends here5 "ll have Crowther let #ou know where their roo3s are

soon as the#re read#5

Thanks5 !ose s3iled at the 3an as he got u$+ and he grinned *ack5

He 3ade a 4utile atte3$t to s3ooth down his hair5 =oodnight to #ou then5 W#se ta$$ed !e$$le gentl# on the

knee+ and the e#es o$ened again5 Co3e along+ ti3e to turn in+ " think5 !e$$le nodded+ and %ske hel$ed hi3 u$ out o4 the chair5 M# a$ologies+ Doctor+ Miss T#ler+ !e$$le said5 "

ust need so3e slee$5 " shall see #ou $erha$s 4or *reak4ast5

%ske 3ade to hel$ !e$$le+ *ut W#se waved hi3 awa#5 "ts no trou*le5 He hel$ed !e$$le across the roo35

The cat watched their $rogress all the wa# to the door+ then it s$rang to its 4eet and ran a4ter the35

The Doctor was leaning 4orward+ chin on his hands and el*ows on his knees+ looking at the chess ga3e5

Whos winningG !ose asked5

Since he is $la#ing against hi3sel4+ W#se is winning5 He leaned *ack+ hands clas$ed *ehind his head5



"nteresting5

"s he an# goodG

"d sa# so5 The Doctor nodded+ then turned towards %ske5 ice o4 #ou to *ring us here5 He stood u$ a*ru$tl#

and turned a 4ull circle+ ins$ecting the roo3 *e4ore sitting down again5 >es+ ver# nice indeed5

"s !e$$le all rightG !ose asked5

He gets tired+ %ske said5 )art o4 his condition+ "3 a4raid5

The Doctor 4rowned5 ConditionG

%ske nodded5 He was looking $ale and drained5 "3 not sure (uite how to ex$lain+ *ut " have a con4ession to

3ake to #ou *oth5 "3 a4raid that things are not (uite as the# see35

The Doctor was 4ull# attentive now+ e#es 4ocused shar$l# on %ske5 Things are never (uite as the# see35

"s this a*out !e$$les conditionG !ose wondered5

%ske nodded5 Tell 3e+ he said+ 4ixing each o4 the3 in turn with his gae+ has either o4 #ou ever actuall# heard

o4 DastariaG

o+ !ose ad3itted5 But "3 ru**ish at geogra$h#5

"3 rather good at it+ the Doctor retorted5 But no5 o+ " havent5

This was o*viousl# the answer %ske had ex$ected5 >ou have never heard o4 it+ *ecause there is no such

$lace5

)la#ing his cards close to his chest+ is heG the Doctor said5

>ou 3ean he didnt want us to know exactl# where he is in exile 4ro3G !ose said5 "4 there reall# were

assassins a4ter hi3+ then he would hardl# advertise his $resence+ *ut wh# would he lie to the $eo$le who

were su$$osed to *e hel$ing hi3G

%ske was still looking serious5 "t is 3ore co3$licated than that5

The Doctor nodded5 Tell us+ Maor5

%ske sighed5 "t isnt Maor5 "n 4act+ like #ou+ " a3 so3ething o4 a doctor 5 " da**le in the new sciences

o4 the 3ind+ though " cannot $re tend to *e an#thing o 4 an ex$ert5 " a3 no 3ore a soldier than 3# 4riend

Edward !e$$le is an exiled ruler5

"t took !ose a 3o3ent to work out what he was talking a*out5 Hang on are #ou sa#ing hes not

what he clai3s at allG Hes going round sa#ing hes ruler o4 this $lace that doesnt exist+ what+ to get

4ree*ie dinners and stu44G

The Doctor was shaking his head5 " think $oor !e$$le doesnt know hes l#ing5 "s that rightG

%ske nodded sadl#5 " thought it was a ga3e at 4irst5 But it *eca3e so co3$ulsive5 He sighed5 " had

*etter start at the *eginning5 >ou see+ 3# 4riend was in a $ageant+ a show5 )art o4 the E3$ire cele*rationslast #ear *e4ore the exhi*ition was o$ened5 There was a $arade+ and he was $la#ing the $art o4 the

Elector o4 Dastaria a 4ictitious role+ one he and " invented together 4or the occasion5 " was his aideFdeF

ca3$+ a 3aor in the Dastarian ar3#5

%ske got to his 4eet+ $acing u$ and down in 4ront o4 the so4a+ his shadow crossing and recrossing the

hal4F$la#ed chess ga3e+ one hand in his acket $ocket5 "t was a hot da#5 We were there+ in the 4ull sun 4or

hours5 !e$$le 4ainted5 That was all+ or so " thought5 But when he ca3e round555 )erha$s it was the 4all 4ro3

the horse+ " dont know5 "n 4act+ this interest o4 3ine in the science o4 the 3ind+ it ste3s 4ro3 that



3o3ent5 His e#es were 3oist as he looked at !ose+ as i4 *egging her to understand5

His 4iction *eca3e his realit#+ the Doctor said5

>es5 %s " sa#+ " thought he was $la#ing the 4ool+ having a oke with us5 But no+ he reall# *elieved and

still *elieves hi3sel4 to *e the Elector o4 Dastaria5 He has so3ehow rationalised the 4act that he is

in &ondon and not ruling his countr# *# assu3ing he has *een de$osed and is $re$aring to return in

glor#5

To a countr# that doesnt even exist+ !ose said5 "t was sad5

%nd #ou havent told hi3 the truthG

%ske gave a short *ark o4 laughter + though it was e3$t# o4 3irth5 Oh+ " have tried+ Doctor5 " have

s$ent 3an# hours tr#ing to talk hi3 out o4 this delusion5 But without success5 " thought it would *e

di44icult to $la# along+ *ut " have to con4ess it has *een ver# eas#+ once " acce$ted we would have to 3ove

awa# 4ro3 ever#thing he knows+ or rather knew5 He sighed5 The trustees were ha$$# to allow us roo3s

here+ and W#se has *een 3ost elo(uent on our *ehal45 Both !e$$le and " have 3odest $rivate inco3es

that 3ore than cover the costs5

%nd #ou get invited to $arties+ !ose added5

%ske looked e3*arrassed5 >es5 Well5 The evening was a little 3ore co3$licated than " had ex$ected5

"t see3s that Sir =eorge had alread# s$oken with !e$$le a*out this !ussian *usiness5 " knew nothing

a*out it until tonight and !e$$le was alread# o44ering to hel$5 O44ering hel$ he cannot give5

%nd thats what #ou wanted to talk to Sir =eorge a*out+ !ose realised5

>ou tell hi3 ever#thingG the Doctor wondered5

To 3# sha3e+ no+ %ske con4essed5 " warned hi3 3erel# that !e$$les su$$ort in Dastaria is nowhere

near as great as he ho$es and ex$ects and *elieves5 That it is ver# unlikel# he will *e a*le to o44er an#

3aterial hel$ at all5 Sir =eorge was disa$$ointed+ o4 course5 But "3 a4raid he still ex$ects too 3uch5

" wouldnt worr# a*out that+ the Doctor reassured hi35 Chances o4 Sir =eorges little adventure getting

to the $oint where hed want !e$$les hel$ 3ust *e sli3 to nothing5

>eah+ no ho$e+ !ose agreed5

%ske see3ed to *righten at this5 >ou think soG

Dont worr# a*out Sir =eorge5

0urther discussion was interru$ted *# the arrival o4 a tall 3an with thinning gre# hair5 He stood in the

doorwa# and coughed arti4iciall#5

%h+ Crowther+ %ske said5 " gather #ou are sorting out roo3s 4or our new guests5

Crowthers voice was a*ru$t and *rittle5 The roo3s are read#5 " shall *e ha$$# to show #ou to the35 Ta+ the Doctor said5 %nd thank #ou+ he said to %ske5

The least " could do5 He shu44led anxiousl#5 Doctor+ " have told 4ew other $eo$le a*out this5 >ou will555

Mu3s the word+ the Doctor assured hi35

Their roo3s were next to each o ther+ with a s3all lounge *etween that was reached 4ro3 either roo3

*# a connecting door5 Each had a s3all *athroo3 en suite+ which the Doctor 3ur3ured was as unusua l

as it was welco3e5 The roo3s re3inded !ose o4 what #ou 3ight get in a $osh countr#Fhouse hotel5



ot that she had ever *een to such a $lace+ *ut the 4ourF$oster *ed and the worn leather 4urniture reeked

o4 ex$ense and co34ort5 She had not realised how tired she was until she saw the *ed5

Crowther showed the3 through the roo3s+ then handed the3 each a ke#5 'ust one thing+ sir and

3ada3+ he said in his dr# voice5

'ust oneG The Doctor s3iled5

Crowther ignored this5 Mr )ooters roo3s are directl# a*ove #ou5 " would re(uest that #ou 3ake as

little unnecessar# noise as $ossi*le5

" thought Mr )ooter was awa#+ !ose said5

"ndeed5 But he o4ten returns at ver# short notice or unex$ectedl#5 We have a trustees 3eeting co3ing u$

shortl#5

o wild $arties+ !ose+ the Doctor warned5 o raves or *inges or *arnFdancing5

%nd o4 course+ #ou will res$ect his $rivac#5

O4 course+ !ose said5 She was 4inding the 3an 3ore than a little cree$# and wished hed ust

leave the35 " thought hed never go+ she whis$ered as soon as Crowther had le4t the Doctors roo35

ever is a ver# long ti3e+ the Doctor said5

The# *oth 4linched at the knock at the door5

" think he heard #ou+ !ose said5

The Doctor raised his e#e*rows+ not convinced5 He strode across the roo3 and o$ened the door5

!e$$le was standing there+ and the Doctor 3otioned 4or hi3 to co3e in5 The *lack cat sli$$ed in

*ehind hi3+ *e4ore the Doctor could close the door5 "t stretched out on the 4loor inside the door and

watched the35

The Doctor shrugged+ and le4t the door o$en5 0eeling *etterG he asked5

" had to s$eak to #ou+ !e$$le said5 He looked round+ as i4 checking there were onl# the three o4 the3

there5 Even now he 3a# *e listening5 So3ewhere+ so3ehow5 " $retended to *e tired+ so as to get awa#+

ust 4or a 4ew 3inutes5

0ro3 Maor %skeG

!e$$le nodded5 "3 sorr#+ he said+ looking 4ro3 the Doctor to !ose+ *ut " have not *een entirel#

honest with #ou5

Theres a thing+ !ose 3uttered5

>ou 3ean+ the Doctor said *rightl#+ #oure not actuall# the right4ul leader o4 DastariaG

!e$$le stared at the3+ his ex$ression not changing5 He see3ed a*out to s$eak+ *ut then there was a

sound 4ro3 outside5 % gentle thud like the wind *lowing a window shut+ or a door closing distantl#on another 4loor5 Or a 4urtive 4oot4all5

" 3isled #ou in so3e details+ !e$$le said (uietl#+ glancing again over his shoulder5 " a3 not the Elector o4

Dastaria+ exiled and even now $lanning 3# glorious return to $ower5

The Doctor looked at !ose and raised an e#e*row in an " told #ou so wa#5

WhatG she retorted5

!e$$le see3ed not to notice5 " cannot *egin to $lan 3# retu rn+ glorio us or ot herwise 5 >ou see+ the

tru th i s+ " a3 a $risoner in all *ut na3e5



Hang a*out+ !ose said5 %re #ou the ruler o4 this $lace or notG

" a35 But as #ou know+ " was de$osed in an illegal cou$5 The re*els seied $ower without an# warning

or legiti3ac#5 %nd one da# " shall reclai3 3# title5 But 4irst+ " 3ust esca$e5

Esca$eG

0ro3 hi35 0ro3 %ske 3# ailer5

%h5 The Doctor 3ade it sound as i4 ever#thing was now clear+ *ut he 3outhed EhGJ at !ose5

!e$$le turned awa#5 He watches 3e all the ti3e5 Onl# occasionall#+ like now+ can " sli$ awa# 4or a

4ew 3o3ents5 But " 3ust get *ack+ *e4ore he *eco3es sus$icious5 " can $lan nothing+ talk to no one

without hi3 knowing5 %nd i4 " ste$ out o4 line 4or a 3o3ent+ i4 he even *eg ins to think " have violated

the ter3s o4 3# exile555 He shook his head at the thought5 The 3an is a 4anatic5

>es+ the Doctor said slowl#+ "3 sure5

But what can he doG !ose de3anded5

>ou have noticed how he standsG !e$$le de3onstrated+ 3i3icking %skes distinctive $osture one

hand tucked into his acket $ocket5 % kni4e or a s3all $istol is never 4ar awa#5 " can take no chances5 ot

4or 3#sel4+ #ou understand5 " do not 4ear death5 He looked 4ro3 !ose to the Doctor5 " 4ear 4or 3# $eo$le5

Those le4t *ehind in the countr# that des$ite ever#thing still 4lies our 4lag5

Course #ou do+ the Doctor said+ cla$$ing his ar3 round !e$$les shoulder5 So+ whats the 4lag o4

Dastaria look likeG

Was he tr#ing to catch the 3an out+ !ose wonderedG "4 so+ it did not see3 to work5 !e$$le answered

i33ediatel#5 "t is a white triangle e3*laoned on a *ackground o4 the night sk#5 %nd one da# soon+

des$ite what %ske and those he answers to 3ight think+ " shall return in glor# at the head o4 an ar3# that

3arches under that 4lag5 0or 4reedo35 0or Dastaria5 He ste$$ed awa# 4ro3 the Doctor+ regarded hi3 4or a

3o3ent+ then en4olded hi3 in an e3*race5 !ose ste$$ed (uickl# out o4 range5 But !e$$le 3ade no

atte3$t to give her the sa3e treat3ent5 instead he clicked his heels together and *owed in her direction5

There is a degree o4 honour in #ou *oth+ he said5 " know " can count on #ou5

Then+ with a curt nod+ he turned and walked 4ro3 the roo35

The cat turned lail# without getting u$ and watched hi3 go5 Then it turned *ack towards !ose+ and she

gas$ed as she noticed its neck5 % white triangle on its *lack 4ur5

Doctor look5 The 3arkings on the cat5

>eah5 Could *e a coincidence5

Or+ !ose said+ co3$leting *oth their thoughts+ could *e thats where he got the idea 4or the design o4 the

4lag5 "4 hes 3aking it u$5 Trou*le is+ the Doctor said+ it could *e where he got it even i4 hes not 3aking it u$5 % su*conscious

i3age5

"s he l#ingG %nd i4 he is+ does he know itG

%nd i4 he isnt+ wh# is %ske l#ingG The Doctor ta$$ed his index 4inger against his teeth5 Curiouser and

curiouser5 Know what we needG

!ose nodded5 % good nights slee$ 4ollowed *# a heart# *reak4ast5

S$ot on5 See #ou in the 3orning5 He nodded at their 4eline visitor+ still stretched out on the car$et5



%nd knowing what curiosit# did555

!ose grinned5 >es+ #oud *etter $ut the cat out5



0OA!

The view 4ro3 the Doctors window was o4 an ic# 3orning in &ondon5 "4 he leaned out+ *reathing in the cris$ air+

he could see the )alace o4 West3inster5 He could not actuall# see the icicles hanging 4ro3 the clock 4ace o4

Big Ben+ as the clock tower at the Houses o4 )arlia3ent was $o$ularl# called5 But he could i3agine the3

slivers o4 4roen glass+ glistening in the earl# light as the 4irst dri$s thawed and rolled and 4ell 4ro3 the ends5

Beside the )alace o4 West3inster was the cal3+ gun3etalFgre# sur4ace o4 the Tha3es5 He noted the $osition

where the Millenniu3 Wheel was cons$icuous *# its a*sence+ and s3iled at his 3e3ories o4 what was #et to

co3e5 %$art 4ro3 the wheel+ the general sha$e o4 the sk#line would not change that 3uch5 &ower down it would

a3ong the glass and concrete and neon that was not #et *uilt5 But the general i3$ression o4 &ondon+ what

3ade it instantl# recognisa*le+ was alread# set5 With the addition o4 Tower Bridge+ the i3age was co3$lete5 "t

had *een there less than thirt#F4ive #ears+ #et alread# the *ridge was a ti3eless e3*le3 o4 the cit#5 &ike Big

Ben+ which had itsel4 *een there less than a centur#5 "conic and distinctive5

%n#one looking u$ 4ro3 the street *elow would see the Doctors head and shoulders e3erging 4ro3

his window5 His chin was resting in his hands+ el*ows on the wide sill5 The e#es were ever alert+ 4lickingto and 4ro+ taking in ever# last detail5 One 3ight i3agine+ looking u$ and discovering hi3 there+ that the

Doctor had *een like this all night5 0roen like an icicle+ staring out and thinking5 %nd $erha$s he had5

But now he 3oved5 Straightening u$ and withdrawing inside+ the Doctor *lew on his $ale+ cold hands

and ru**ed the3 vigorousl# together5 "t was 3orning+ he could hear the distant sounds o4 the docks and

the clatter o4 tra44ic in the street5 &ondon was waking+ even i4 !ose was not5 "t was ti3e to get started+ ti3e

to get so3e answers+ ti3e 4or *reak4ast5

The 4irst !ose knew o4 3orning was when the door o$ened5 She grunted so3ething incoherent as she

disentangled her head 4ro3 the heav# *lankets and sheet5 "t was 3eant to *e =o awa#+ *ut evidentl# it

hadnt co3e out like that as so3eone had co3e into the roo35

!ose gra**ed the *lankets and $ulled the3 u$ again+ retreating5 The# see3ed to se$arate and go

ever#where didnt the# have duvetsG Her gran used to call a duvet a continental (uilt so 3a#*e

convenience *edlinen had onl# got as 4ar as 0rance5 She $ee$ed over the sheet+ and saw that there

was a girl o4 a*out her own age or #ounger standing in the doorwa#5 She had a *o* o4 dark hair and a

round 4ace with a dot o4 a nose and wide *rown e#es5 She was wearing a dark uni4or3 with a white a$ron5



Oh+ " do *eg #our $ardon+ 3iss5 The girl curtsied awkwardl#+ as e3*arrassed as !ose was5 The

gentle3an said it was all r ight to 3ake u$ the *eds and do the roo3s+ " didnt realise #ou was still aslee$5

" wasnt+ !ose lied5 Co3e in+ its 4ine+ she decided5 Trust the Doctor to get the 3aid to wake her5 Or

3a#*e hed ust 4orgotten she existed5 T#$ical5

" couldnt do that5 The girl looked $ale at the thought5

Dont *e da4t5 "ts ti3e " got u$5

The girls na3e was Beth+ and once she had got over the e3*arrass3ent she was (uite chatt#5

!ose *o3*arded her with (uestions a*out the "3$erial Clu*+ *ut learned little 3ore than she alread#

knew5 =etting dressed in her one and onl# set o4 clothes+ !ose asked a*out where to go sho$$ing 4or

3ore5 She ho$ed the Doctor had so3e cash that worked here she couldnt see an# o4 the rather

staidFsounding sho$s that Beth suggested taking =alactic Ex$ress =old Card or whatever5

How long have #ou worked hereG !ose wondered+ sitting on the newl# 3ade *ed and swinging her

legs so that her $aleFgreen dress see3ed to *low out around her5

Oh+ "ve *een in service 4or 4ive #ears now5

0ive #earsG She 3ust *e older than she looked+ !ose thought5 But she was wrong5

>es+ " started at &ord and &ad# Hutchinsons when " was 4ourteen5 Had a $ok# little roo3 under the

eaves5 This ti3e o4 #ear it was $erishing+ it was5

"snt that a *it #oungG

Oh+ not reall#+ 3iss5 %nd 3e 3u3 needed the 3one#5 " send ho3e hal4 3# $a# ever# week5 " got

two #ounger *rothers and a sister+ #ou see5 So it all hel$s5

!ose nodded5 " su$$ose5 She could recall =w#neth at the undertakers in Cardi44 had gone into service

when ver# #oung5 Clearl# things hadnt exactl# 3oved on since the end o4 the last centur#5

"3 glad " live in here+ though+ Beth went on5 We all have roo3s in the other wing5 ot al lowed through

here exce$t when were working+ #ou see5 Mr Crowther would have a 4it i4 he caught us loitering a*out with

nothing to do5 But what with the ru3ours and ever#thing+ " dont go out 3ore than " have to5

!u3oursG

The# sa# theres so3eone going a*out attacking $eo$le in service round here5 Old Mrs 0ewsha3s

3aid was a$$roached the other week *# a stranger in a dark street and she 4ainted clean awa#5 Mind

#ou+ Beth said+ thinking a*out it+ she s like that5 But then there was Mar# 4ro3 the &awrences5 Week in

hos$ital she got+ and she can still *arel# talk5 Sa#s it was so3ething horr i*le5

She can 3anage a *it then+ !ose 3ur3ured5

Shadow# 4igures reaching 4or #our throat and asking (uestions a*out the other sta44 and who #ouwork 4or555 She shuddered at the idea5 Dont *ear thinking a*out5

!ose shuddered too as she recalled the events o4 the $revious evening the shadow# 4igure and the

3arks on Dicksons neck5 o+ she agreed5 "t dont5 "t was ti3e she got so3e 4ood5 Ma#*e the Doctor

would have saved her a *acon sandwich5 "ll leave #ou to do the Doctors roo3+ she told Beth5

Oh+ "ve *een in there alread#+ 3iss+ Beth ad3itted5 But there werent 3uch to do5 The *eds not *een

sle$t in5



Break4ast was long gone+ and the Doctor see3ed 3ore a3used than s#3$athetic5 He was sitting in

the $anelled roo3 $la#ing chess with W#se5 He had a 4inger raised in the air 4or silence even *e4ore

!ose saw hi3+ *ut she had no dou*t it was 4or her *ene4it5

She slu3$ed down on one o4 the leather chairs in the otherwise deserted roo3 and watched as the

Doctor 3ulled over various 3oves5 % slight 3ove3ent at the edge o4 her vision 3ade her turn+ and she

saw that the cat was l#ing on the adacent so4a 5 "t raised its la# head and regarded her with interest

4or a 3o3ent5 But onl# a 3o3ent+ then it lowered its head again and see3ed to go to slee$5

!ose kissed the air in the cats direction encouragingl#5 The Doctor s$ared her a glare+ and she

sto$$ed5 Sorr#+ she 3uttered ust loud enough 4or hi3 to hear+ though he ignored it5

W#se caught !oses e#e+ and winked5 Think "ve got hi3 on the run+ he whis$ered5

The Doctor looked u$ at the3+ e#es narrowed5 Then he returned his attention to the *oard5 Oh+ stu44

it+ he decided+ and 3oved a *isho$ 4orwards5

W#se 4rowned5 Or not+ he ad3itted5

Break4astG !ose asked5

Was great+ the Doctor told her5 Bad luck5 He ta$$ed the edge o4 the chess*oard5 Mate in three+ he

4inished glu3l#5

W#se nodded5 "ll 4ind Crowther and have hi3 get #ou so3e *acon and eggs+ he said to !ose5

Thanks5 But wh# not sta# and 4inish hi3 o44 4irstG "4 its onl# three 3oves5

W#se s3iled sadl#5 "3 a4raid its three 3oves until he 4inishes 3e o445 Brilliant 3ove there with the

*isho$+ " have to sa#5 He stood u$ and stretched5 !ight then+ *ack in a tick5

The cat 3irrored W#ses 3ove3ents+ stretching+ getting to its 4eet and walking 4ro3 the roo3 in its long+

eas# 3anner5

Having 4unG !ose asked5

The Doctor grinned5 >eah5 Takes 3# 3ind o44 4aceless killers and 3issing ti3e 3achines5 Hes ver# good+ he

went on+ $icking u$ W#ses *lack king and exa3ining it5

ot u$ to #our standard+ though5

" dunno5 He $ut the king *ack+ la#ing it on its side5 He 3issed an eas# wa# to *eat 3e earl# on5

=iving #ou a chanceG

" wonder5 )ra$s he 4elt sorr# 4or 3e5 " was going to return the 4avour ust now+ *ut " couldnt see a

3ove that didnt leave 3# king ex$osed5

Exce$t winning5

Winnings eas#5

+

So+ 3a#*e he 4orced #ou to win5

The Doctor considered this5 Which is lots 3ore di44icult+ he decided (uietl#5

The chie4 steward+ or whatever Crowther was+ *rought through a tra# o4 *reak4ast 4or !ose5 "4 he

disa$$roved o4 her eating it o44 her la$+ he said nothing5 !ose couldnt *elieve how 3uch she had 3issed

*acon so3ething so si3$le+ #et her 3outh was watering in antici$ation ust at the s3ell as she l i4ted the

silver lid 4ro3 her $late5 The $oached egg looked good too+ *ut she gave the *lack $udding a 3iss5



There was toast+ and a $ot o4 tea+ and cu$s 4or all three o4 the3 on another tra#+ *rought *# an

uns3iling 3aid who see3ed *arel# older than Beth5

"ts a ru3 do+ W#se said when !ose 3ent ioned the attacks that Beth had told her a*out5 Dont

see3 to *e an# call 4or it5 o clear 3otive5 er# sad5 He shook his head5 !e$$le was sa#ing

so3ething a*out Sir =eorge Hardings 3an *eing attacked last night+ right outside his house5 Terri*le+

terri*le5

We were there+ !ose ad3itted through a 3outh4ul o4 toast5

Or $erha$s it was %ske+ W#se went on5 Dont re3e3*er o44hand5 He looked u$+ as i4 realising what

!ose had said5 >ou were thereG

o *ig deal+ she assured hi35 Saved the good gu#+ 4ought o44 the *addies5 The usual+ #ou know5

The Doctor was setting u$ the chess*oard again5 How 3an# attacks have there *eenG

W#se was staring at !ose+ sur$rised at her dis3issive attitude5 Six or seven+ " su$$ose5 That we know

a*out+ an#wa#5 One 4atalit#+ otherwise 3en in service ust rather 4rightened and shaken u$5 Even a cou$le

o4 wo3en+ one scarcel# 3ore than a girl+ $oor thing5 >ou wonder what the world is co3ing to

so3eti3es+ dont #ouG

!ose glanced at the Doctor+ s3iling at the 4act that the# did not need to wonder+ the# knew5 The

Doctor s3iled *ack5 But it was 4leeting+ gone in a 3o3ent5 What was !e$$les interestG he wondered5

Or %skes+ W#se said5 Those two are like those Shakes$earean characters+ !osencrant and

=uildenstern5 Cant alwa#s tell the3 a$art5 Or 3a#*e " 3ean Ha3let and Horatio+ he decided5 =ot to

re3e3*er the ro#alt# as$ect5 He leaned 4orward+ grinning suddenl#+ and gave a huge wink5

>oure winking at 3e+ the Doctor said5

Er+ #es5 S$ose " a35

So " assu3e %ske has told #ou that !e$$le isnt reall# the king in exile or whatever5+

W#se sat *ack in his chair and regarded the3 *oth with interest5 He has indeed5 He tells ever#one

that+ then swears the3 to secrec#5 'ust as !e$$le tells ever#one he is indeed the right4ul Elector o4

Dastaria5

But which o4 the3 is telling the truthG !ose asked5 !e$$le told us hes a $risoner5

Tell 3e+ W#se said+ was %ske listening when he told #ou thisG

"s that i3$ortantG

Oh #es+ Doctor5 >ou wanted to know which o4 the3 had told #ou the truth5

>e$5

Well+ it sounds as i4 the answer is: neither o4 the35 So what is the truthG !ose $ut the cover *ack on her $late e3$t# save 4or the sl ices o4 *lack $udding

and set down the tra# on the ta*le *eside the chess*oard5

%n excellent (uestion+ 3# dear5 %nd " relate onl# what has *een told to 3e + so " canno t direc tl#

vouch 4or its veracit# either5

=et on with it+ the Doctor 3u3*led5

W#se s3iled a44a*l# at the interru$tion5 er# well+ 3# 4riend5 ow+ " asked i4 !e$$le *elieved he could

*e overheard when he told #ou his stor#5 " know 4ro3 the stor# he chose to tell that the answer is #es5



!ose nodded5 He see3ed to *e going to tell us so3ething last night+ then there was a noise and he got

nervous5

>ou 3ean his stor# varies de$ending whos listeningG the Doctor said5

So3ething like that5

So is he or isnt heG !ose de3anded5

That is the (uestion+ W#se agreed5 %nd no+ "3 a4raid he isnt5 %s he s$oke+ the cat u3$ed u$ into

W#ses la$5 "t $urred contentedl#+ snuggling in and al3ost i33ediatel# going to slee$5 W#se ru**ed a t

the ca ts head with his knuckles5

So %ske told us the truth5 "ts all a delusion+ !ose realised5

Well+ thats not (uite true either5 >ou see+ its no delusion5 !e$$le is in $er4ect 3ental heal th and he

knows 4ul l well that he is no 3ore the Elector o4 Dastaria than #ou or "5

So wh# lieG the Doctor asked5

Because %ske is the one with the delusions+ and !e$$le wants nothing 3ore than to hu3our his

4riend and allow hi3 to continue with the li4e he *elieves he is leading5

%ske said he was treating !e$$le5 That hes his $s#chiatrist or whatever5

W#se nodded5 %nd that is his delusion5 %ske *elieves hi3sel4 to *e a *rilliant doctor o4 the 3ind+

treating a 4riend who su44ers 4ro3 terri*le delusions *rought a*out+ i4 " recall the stor# correctl#+ *# a 4all

4ro3 a horse5 He looked 4ro3 !ose to the Doctor and *ack again5 "t isnt !e$$le who *elieves

hi3sel4 to *e so3ething he is not and is a ided and a*etted in this *# his 4riend5 "t is %ske5

With that+ W#se excused hi3sel45 Ti3e is 3arching on+ he said+ and so 3ust "5 He set the cat

down on the 4loor 5 "t o$ened a sur$rised e#e+ watching W#se as he le4t+ then slinking o44 a4ter hi35

Doesnt 3atter+ !ose decided when he had gone5

What doesntG

%ske and !e$$le5 one o4 our *usiness reall#5

"nteresting though+ the Doctor countered5 %rent #ou curious to know the truthG

>ou dont think we ust heard itG

He said hi3sel4+ its ust hearsa#5 Ma#*e Dastaria does exist so3e outFo4FtheFwa# countr# lost

*etween the cracks on the 3a$s5 Who knowsG

Who caresG !ose res$onded5

The Doctors res$onse to that+ i4 he had one+ was interru$ted *# Crowther5 He coughed $olitel# as

he arrived to take !oses *reak4ast tra#5 Excuse 3e+ Doctor+ *ut #ou have a visitor5

!eall#G WhoG "t is a Miss Heart5 She sa#s #ou 3et last evening+ sir5 "3 a4raid that since she has not *een vouched 4or

*# a 4ull 3e3*er o4 the clu*+ as #ou and Miss T#ler have *een+ she is onl# $er3itted so 4ar as the $u*lic

galler#5 "4 #ou would 4ollow 3eG

>ou co3ingG

%nd $la# goose*err# to #ou and the )ainted &ad#G !ose said5 "ts #ou she wants to see+ not 3e5

'ealousG the Doctor asked innocentl#5

"ll wait here and 4inish 3# tea+ !ose said5 Dont want to cra3$ #our st#le5



The Doctor grinned5

Such as it is+ !ose 4inished5

The grin vanished5 The Doctor leaned 4orward and took !oses hand5 "ts #ou that needs the 4ashion

ti$s+ he said5 Co3e on5

Beth didnt sa# an#thing a*out so3eone *eing killed+ !ose told the Doctor as Crowther showed the3

into the $u*l ic galler#+ o44 the 3ain 4o#er5

BethG

The 3aid5 >ou re3e3*er+ #ou sent her to wake 3e u$5

Oh #eah5 Beth5

)eo$le hos$i talised+ trau3atised+ all sorts o4 other iseds5 But she never 3entioned deadFised5

)ra$s Beth doesnt know5

The roo3 was long and narrow+ *arel# 3ore than a wide corr idor 5 one side was a l3ost entir el#

taken u$ wi th large windows+ the other had $aintings hanging the length o4 it5 Down the 3iddle o4 the

roo3 were various $ieces o4 scul$ture5 othing 3odern+ !ose noted5 There were classical wo3en

looking as i4 the#d ust got out o4 the *ath+ and heroic 3ale 4igures with 3uscles and ever#thing else

ri$$ling5

Melissa Heart was standing ust inside the door+ her *ack to the35 She was ad3iring one o4 the

statues+ a wo3an $oised with one ar3 in the air5 &ong sheetlike ro*es were scul$ted round her+

see3ing to e3$hasise rather than disguise the 4e3ale 4or35 There was an odd si3ilarit# with Melissa

Heart+ standing there in her long+ thin dress5 She held a long+ thin *lack cigarette holder to her 3outh+ trails

o4 s3oke wa4ting u$ towards the ceiling5

!ose wondered what the wo3an looked like under the 3ask5 She i3agined she was a*out to 4ind out

as Melissa Heart turned5 But she was not5 "t was di44icult to tell whether she was wear ing thick white

3akeFu$ with st#lised red swirls $ainted on it+ or whether this was another thin+ 4aceFtight 3ask5 But

whichever it was+ her true 4eatures were once again shrouded in 3#ster#5

The $osition o4 two o4 the red curls+ li4ting 4ro3 the edges o4 the 3outh+ 3ade it see3 as i4 the wo3an

was $er$etuall# s3iling5 Wh#+ Doctor+ and !ose5 How kind o4 #ou to see 3e5

>es+ the Doctor agreed si3$l#5

How can we hel$G !ose asked5

Oh+ *ut #ou cant5 %t least+ not ust now5 ot #et5 The e3otionless 3ask continued to s3ile at the35

But " can hel$ #ou+ " think5 !eall#G

She gestured with the cigarette holder towards an u$right chair standing against the wall close *#5 % dark

leather acket was dra$ed over it5 >ours+ " *elieve5

The Doctor all *ut lea$ed across the roo3 and snatched u$ the acket5 He sli$$ed it on5 "t 4itsJ

" thought it 3ight5

" 3islaid it last night+ the Doctor said+ his ex$ression suddenl# as unreada*le as Melissas5

" had reason to call on &ad# %nna this 3orning+ and she asked i4 " would return it to #ou5 " con4ess+ " did



rather relish the chance to renew our ac(uaintance5

Thats nice+ !ose said5 She was rewarded with a *rie4 glance 4ro3 the *lank 4ace5

>ou didnt ha$$en to check the $ockets+ did #ouG the Doctor said+ ru33aging inside the35

O4 course not5 Her voice too was devoid o4 ex$ression5

Thats good5 He drew out the sonic screwdriver and held it u$ so she could see it clearl#5 Still+ ever#thing

see3s to *e here5

How intriguing5 What+ 3a# " ask is thatG

ovelt# corkscrew+ !ose told her5

Or so3ething+ the Doctor added5 0ound it in the street outside Sir =eorges5 >ou dont know who 3ight own

such a thingG He held out the sonic screwdriver+ as i4 inviting her to take it5

" reall# could not sa#5

Melissa Heart reached out+ *ut the Doctor $ulled awa# his hand and sli$$ed the device *ack into

his acket $ocket 5 Thought not+ he said5 Well+ thanks5 %nd *#e5

We 3ustnt kee$ #ou+ !ose said5 " ex$ect #oure *us#5

ot at all5 "4 she was o44ended+ there was no wa# o4 knowing5 >ou 3ust call on 3e so3e ti3e5 Both

o4 #ou+ she added in a tone that i3$lied she did not 4or one 3o3ent 3ean to include !ose5 M# house

is not 4ar awa#5 )erha$s #ou know itG %nthon# Hu**ards old house on eracit# %venue5

We dont+ !ose said5 Weve not *een here long5

>ou are travelling togetherG

Were inse$ara*le+ the Doctor said5

Then " shall leave #ou together5 o dou*t " shall see #ou again soon5

o dou*t + the Doc tor echoed5 Thanks 4or the coat 5 " 3ust call in and thank Sir =eorge and his wi4e

as well5

Melissa Heart hesitated5 Onl# slightl#+ *ut enough 4or !ose to notice5 She knew it would not have

esca$ed the Doctor5

"3 sure theres no need+ Melissa said+ $ausing in the doorwa#5

"3 sure #oure right+ the Doctor agreed5 Because now the# all knew that however Melissa Heart had

got the Doctors coat+ it was not 4ro3 Sir =eorge or his wi4e5

"t is all circu3stantial5 The sonic device+ the detected $ower+ the 4act the# are alwa#s together5 Melissa

Heart sighed *ehind her 3ask5 The dark 4igure sitting *eside her in the car did not re$l#5 Her 4ingerti$s

stroked down the $ale sur4ace o4 her 3ask5 Da3ning+ *ut not conclusive5 ot #et5 %nd " 3ust *e sure5To go through this+ to su44er555 %nd innocent $eo$le have died5 Too 3an# $eo$le5 " cannot *e res$onsi*le 4or

3ore5

Her e#es were *urning *ehind the 3ask as she studied her co3$anions e(uall# *lank 4ace5 We need

to *e a*solutel# sure5 There is a 3aid called Beth5 " heard the girl sa# she s$oke with her5 This 3aid 3a#

know so3ething5 Ma# even know which o4 the3 it is5 " have a descri$tion 4ro3 one o4 the other sta445 "t had

*een eas# to get the $retence o4 a 4riend 4or who3 Beth had worked5 Was it the sa3e girl what did

she look likeG When did she 4inish 4or the da#G So ver# eas#5



The *lankF4aced 4igure listened to its instructions5 "t said nothing+ and when Melissa Heart had

4inished+ it *owed its head slightl# in acknowledge3ent5 %s it 3oved+ the staccato clicking o4 its 3echanis3

was like the ticking o4 a clock5



0"BE

% *risk walk had cleared the co*we*s 4ro3 W#ses 3ind5 He liked to walk through the 4a3iliar

landsca$e o4 &ondon5 There was a 4aint 3ist in the air+ the *eginnings o4 a s3ogg# da# to co3e5 His

*reath ca3e in *risk clouds o4 its own as he walked *ack towards the i3$erial Clu*+ his gloved

hands clas$ed tightl# *ehind his *ack and his head down in thought5

He was *eing 4ollowed+ o4 course he knew and acce$ted that5 He ignored it+ and concentrated on

3ore urgent and i33ediate 3atters5 But even these were sent scurr#ing 4ro3 his 3ind when he saw the

*od#5

W#se had taken a shortcut down a *ack alle# round to the rear o4 the clu*5 The alle# o$ened into a

#ard *ehind the *uilding5 The various sta44 ca3e and went through the *ack entrance+ so as not to have

to go through the 3ain 3e3*ers areas5 W#se counted hi3sel4 as al3ost sta445 He was on 4irstFna3e

ter3s with the3 all5 He had *een here longer than an# o4 the3+ even longer ust than !e$$le and

%ske5 Hi3 and the cat5 He s3i led at the thought5

%nd that was when he looked u$+ and saw the legs sticking out 4ro3 *ehind the dust*ins5

Oh no+ he sighed+ shaking his head and hurr#ing across the #ard5 The *od# was stretched out*etween dust*ins and wall5 One o4 the *ins had *een overturned+ $erha$s in a struggle+ and de*ris

4ro3 it littered the ground5 What a wa# to die+ he thought sadl# littered with old $a$ers+ a$$le cores+

$otato $eelings555 The cat gave a startled hiss at the sight and ran across the #ard to take shelter *#

the door to the clu*5

CrowtherJ W#se #elled5 %n#oneJ Luickl#+ " need so3e hel$ here5 But he knew that wasnt true5 Beth

was dead+ he could see that her throat crushed and *ruised and her e#es staring u$ * lankl# at the

clouds5 W#se reached out and closed the3 gentl#5 He could hear the thu3$ o4 running 4eet+ the gas$ed

co33ents and (uestions5 So close+ he 3ur3ured5 So close to the clu*5

Oh 3#555 The usuall# unru44led Crowther turned awa#+ 4ace as gre# as his re3aining hair+ hand to

3outh5

=et a doctor+ W#se said5 o+ he decided5 =et the Doctor5 "4 an#one could tell what was reall# going

on here+ the Doctor could5

The# sat in their usual little island o4 chairs and so4as *# the ta*le with the chess set5 !ose was $ale and

(uiet+ the i3age o4 the dead girl still i3$rinted on her 3ind5 Beths voice and nervous laughter still echoing



in her ears5

The Doctor and W#se were talking (uietl# *ut urgentl#5 The Doctor had (uickl# exa3ined the *od#+

re3inding the3 he was not a doctor o4 3edicine5 Even so+ he was sure that the girl had *een dead 4or

an hour at 3ost+ $ro*a*l# a lot less5 The 3arks on her neck were like the 3arks on Dicksons the

night *e4ore5 But dee$er+ darker+ and 3ore da3aging5

Have #ou an# idea what is ha$$ening hereG W#se asked5

>ou think " 3ightG

W#se shrugged5 He looked old and drawn+ as i4 4inding the girls *od# had sa$$ed so3e o4 the li4e

4ro3 hi3 too5 >ou see3 like a 3an with insight5 This has to *e sto$$ed5 % 4ew attacks+ the odd $erson

knocked out555 Well+ thats *ad enough+ o4 course5 But+ Doctor+ a girl has died5 Out there *ehind this

clu*5 On our ver# doorste$5 He took a long+ dee$ *reath5 We cannot ust sit *# and do nothing5

The $olice+ !ose said+ looking u$ 4or the 4irst ti3e5 The#ll555

The#ll do their *est+ W#se said5 But do an# o4 us reall# think that will *e good enoughG He turned to

the Doctor+ looking straight into his e#es5 Do #ou know so3ething+ DoctorG %n#thingG %*out all thisG

The Doctor held his gae 4or several 3o3ents5 Then he stood u$+ hand to 4orehead+ sighing and

sad5 Enough5 " know an innocent girls dead5 " know whoever whatever did this has to *e sto$$ed5

Thats enough5

%nd what do #ou $ro$ose+ DoctorG

The Doctor sat down again+ leaning 4orward 4ro3 the edge o4 the chair5 Theres 3ore to this than we

know or guess5 %nd #ou+ he $ointed at !ose+ need a distraction5 "ts terri*le and *rutal and un4air+ *ut

3o$ing wont hel$5

" like 3o$ing5 When $eo$le get killed5

We need to *e alert+ aware+ s$arking with ideas5

0at chance5

%nd " still want to see the British E3$ire Exhi*ition5

%hJ W#se $erked u$ at this5 "ts ver# good actuall#5 &ots on+ #ou know5 %nd the new stadiu3 is a glor# to

*ehold5

>ou go then+ !ose told hi3+ looking awa#5

Oh+ "ve *een5 "d welco3e the chance to go again+ 3ind5 But " 4ear the $olice will want to take a

state3ent 4ro3 3e5

0ro3 #ouG !ose 4rowned+ looking at hi35

He did 4ind the *od#+ the Doctor $ointed out5 Oh5 >eah5

" reckon we should avoid 3aking state3ents+ the Doctor went on+ looking 3eaning4ul l# at !ose5 "td

onl# con4use the35

>oull eno# the exhi*ition+ W#se said gentl#5 " would like to oin #ou+ *ut " ex$ect the#ll delight in

kee$ing 3e hanging around 4or a while ust to de3onstrate how i3$ortant the# are5 The Doctors right+

3# dear5 "t ll take #our 3ind o44 things5

!ose didnt like *eing called 3# dear5 But so3ehow co3ing 4ro3 W#se in such a disingenuous



3anner+ it see3ed 4riendl# and kind rather than $atronising5 OK+ she said5

Tri44icJ The Doctor cla$$ed his hands together and lea$ed to his 4eet >ou get #our cloak+ and "ve alread#

got 3# acket *ack5 He $aused+ li$s $ursed as he thought5 &ets call in on Sir =eorge on the wa# and thank

hi3 4or returning it5

Exce$t #ou know he didnt5

We ought to *e sure+ he said5 Or were *eing un4air too5

!ose sighed5 " su$$ose5 He#+ she thought suddenl#+ " wonder i4 0reddie wants to co3e to the show5 "

dou*t he gets out 3uch5

Thats true enough+ W#se agreed5 )oor little 4ellow5

&ets ask+ the Doctor said5 Co3e on5

The onl# hint Dickson gave that he had ever even seen the Doctor or !ose *e4ore was a slight widening

o4 his e#es5 He see3ed to have co3$letel# recovered 4ro3 his ordeal o4 the $revious evening+ deigning to

acknowledge this with a neutral+ er# well+ thank #ou+ in res$onse to !oses en(uir#5

"4 #ou will wait in the drawing roo3+ "ll see i4 Sir =eorge is at ho3e5

>oud think hed know+ !ose said as Dickson 3arched o44 sti44l# down the ha ll5 She $oked her head

round the drawingFroo3 door to watch hi3 go5

He knows5 Hes asking i4 Sir =eorge wants to see us+ the Doctor re$lied 4ro3 inside the roo35

!ose turned to oin hi35 But as she did+ she caught sight o4 so3ething 3oving through the *alusters

on the landing a*ove5 "t re3inded her o4 when the# were leaving the night *e4ore+ and she could guess

what it was5 Or rather+ who5

Hi+ 0reddie+ she called5

Hello+ he re$lied+ a little shee$ishl#5 He stood u$ and looked down at her over the rail5 Have #ou

co3e *ack 4or the coatG

"ve got it *ack5 The Doctor was *eside !ose in the hallwa# now5 He o$ened his acket and

iggled it+ ust to $rove he was tell ing the truth5 See5 Wh# don t #ou co3e down and oin us 4or a

3inuteG 0reddie hesitated5 Co3e on+ its #ou weve co3e to see+ reall#5

Making u$ his 3ind+ 0reddie 3ade his unstead# wa# down the stairs5 He did not have his crutch

with hi3+ *ut held tight to the railing all the wa# down5 He dragged one leg slightl# as he walked sti44l#

across the hall+ *ut otherwise there was nothing to suggest he had trou*le walking5

The Doctor led the3 into the drawing roo35 >es+ the kind Miss Heart *rought 3# coat *ack+ he said5

" saw her with it+ 0reddie said+ sitting down and giving a (uiet sigh o4 relie45 " saw555 He 4rowned and$aused5 " heard555 lots o4 things+ he 4inished5 He looked at !ose+ his e#es 3oist5 "s it trueG

>ou listened to the grownFu$s last nightG the Doctor asked5

0reddie nodded5

So3e o4 its true+ !ose said5

What 0ather said a*out 3eG %*out *eing the real TsarG

Didnt #ou knowG !ose asked5

0reddie shook his head5 o5 Ma#*e5 " dont re3e3*er5



What do #ou re3e3*erG the Doctor asked5 His tone suggested he was ust 3aking conversation+ *ut

!ose could see that he was staring intentl# at 0reddie5

The *o# looked awa#5 "t was a long ti3e ago5 " re3e3*er the *oat + and 3eet ing 3# new 4a ther 4or

the 4irst t i3e5 %nd " re3e3*er how ha$$# Mother was to co3e to England5 She cried5 He *it his li$ at

the 3e3or#5 %nd " think " re3e3*er 3# old 4ather5 He was nice and kind too5 He had a *ig *lack *eard+

and he was alwa#s s3iling5 He carried 3e ever#where+ so " wouldnt 4all and hurt 3#sel45 %nd he said he

would talk to the 3en outside the *arn where we had to slee$ that night5 But then Mother said we had to

go+ we had to leave hi3 *ehind5 Mother carried 3e then+ and that was nice5 But " 3issed 0athers so4t

voice and his strong ar3s5

When was thisG !ose wondered5

0reddie looked straight at her+ his 4ace $ale5 When 0ather shouted+ and the 3en shouted too5 When

we heard the shooting5

0reddie5 The voice was (uiet and cal3 and reassuring5 Cook has 3ade so3e cake5 0reddies 3other

was standing ust inside the doorwa#+ and !ose wondered how 3uch she had heard5 Wh# dont #ou go

and ask i4 #ou can have so3eG

The *o# grinned suddenl#+ and got to his 4eet5 Thank #ou+ he said+ walking sti44l# across the roo35 He

sto$$ed in 4ront o4 his 3other5

She tousled his 4a ir hai r and s3iled at hi35 But !ose could see too the sadness in her e#es5 >oull *e

all rightG >ou can 3anageG

>es5

=o on then5

She waited until the sound o4 0reddies slow 4ootste$s was gone *e4ore corning over to oin the Doctor

and !ose5 " worr# so 3uch a*out hi3+ she said (uietl#5 Even *e4ore+ it was di44icult5 But when the

revolution ca3e+ and Theo555 She shook her head5 =eorge has *een so kind5 She *linked awa# the

3e3ories5

"ts *een hard 4or #ou+ the Doctor said5

>es+ she said si3$l#5 " see #ou have recovered #our coat+ Doctor5

He nodded5 >es+ thanks5 Melissa Heart said #ou asked her to return it to 3e5

%nna 4rowned5 !eall#G Well+ $erha$s Dickson 4ound it and saw her5 Sir =eorge is working in his

stud#+ "3 a4raid5 He does not like to *e distur*ed+ *ut i4 #ou wish to see hi3555

Thats OK+ !ose said5 Were o44 to the British E3$ire thing#5

Exhi*ition+ the Doctor ex$lained as %nna looked con4used5 " have not *een+ she con4essed5

Thats all right5 The Doctor grinned5 ot #our e3$ire+ is it5 His grin 4roe5 Sorr#5

We wondered i4 0reddie wanted to co3e along+ !ose said (uickl#5 Hed eno# it5

"3 sure he would5 >ou are ver# kind5

0ro3 her tone+ !ose could tell that the answer was no5 >ou can co3e too5 "td 3ake a nice da# out5

% kind thought+ %nna said5 But " would worr# so 3uch5 He555 She $aused+ considering how to $hrase

what she wanted to sa#5 "t would not *e sa4e 4or hi3+ " 4ear5



" dont think there are assassins waiting round ever# corner+ the Doctor said5

%ssassinsG She 4rowned5

Hes ust a *o#+ !ose *lurted out+ suddenl# u$set and anno#ed at the thought there 3ight *e $eo$le

who wished hi3 har35 )erha$s what had ha$$ened to Beth was so3ehow to do with 0reddie5 "ts so

un4air5

An4air+ %nna agreed (uietl#5 She *it her li$+ ust as 0reddie had done a 4ew 3inutes *e4ore+ sitting in the

sa3e chair5 Their ex$ressions were al3ost ident ical+ *ut #ears a$art5 >es5 So un4air5

The# sat in silence 4or a 3o3ent5 !ose looked at the Doctor5 The Doctor shrugged5 Then %nna stood u$

and s$oke5

" shall ask Dickson to drive #ou to We3*le#+ i4 that is convenient5

Thanks+ the Doctor said5

%nd 0redd ie 3a# co3e with #ou in the car5 But then Dickson will *ring hi3 straight ho3e again5 So

that nothing ha$$ens to hi35 She nodded+ the decision 3ade+ though 4ro3 her ex$ression even this

was not an eas# choice to 3ake5 " reall# cannot allow hi3 to wander a*out outside on his own5 But he will

eno# the car ourne#5 Thank #ou5

Theres a kid in the *lock called 'osh+ !ose said while the# waited5 His 3u3 never lets hi3 $la# out or

an#thing5 "ts sad5

Whats he likeG the Doctor asked5

!ose shrugged5 o one knows5 Luiet5 &onel#5

Luiet ones re*el5

>oud know+ she teased5 But he didnt answer5

The car was huge and nois# and *lack5 %ll the cars+ not that there were 3an#+ see3ed to *e *lack5

Black is the old silver+ the Doctor told !ose when she $ointed this out5

0reddie was excited5 There were no seat *elts+ which worried !ose5 What 3ade her even 3ore anxious

was the wa# 0reddie *ounced on the leather seat as he stared out o 4 the window+ giving a running

co33entar# on each and ever# little thing interesting or not5 The Doctor saw her watching anxiousl#+

and shook his head the *o# was eno#ing hi3sel4+ and it didnt see3 as i4 that ha$$ened o4ten5

%4ter a*out ten 3inutes+ 0reddie settled down as the novelt# wore o445 !ose was sitting next to hi3 on the

*ench seat across the *ack o4 the car5 The Doctor was o$$osite the3 on a seat that 4olded down 4ro3

*ehind the driver+ like in a ca*5 % glass screen se$arated the3 4ro3 Dickson in the 4ront5

"ts strange seeing &ondon with so 4ew cars and $eo$le+ !ose said5 The Doctor nodded5 More carsll co3e soon enough5

%nd lots 3ore wo3en than 3en+ she realised5

"ts .7/6+ the Doctor said+ as i4 this ex$lained it5 Therere a*out two 3illion 3ore wo3en than 3en in

Britain5

0reddie nodded5 Because o4 the war5

O4 course+ !ose realised5 Thats wh# its all so (uiet5

The Doctor leaned 4orward5 Thats wh# there are so 4ew #oung 3en5 The .7.7 4lu killed 4ar 3ore



$eo$le than the =reat War ever did5 He leaned *ack again+ and closed his e#es5 Whatever hu3anit#

in4licts on itsel4+ nature can alwa#s go one *etter5 He o$ened his e#es again+ *ut the# were un4ocused+

as i4 staring at a di44erent scene5 !ose had to lean 4orwards hersel4 to catch what he was sa#ing:

555colla$sed in the street5 School children died at their desks *etween su3s5

Were here+ 0reddie said+ his excited voice contrasting with the Doctors sudden 3ood5 The *o#

leaned across and took !oses hand5 >ou will tell 3e all a*out it+ wont #ouG

!ose s3iled and s(ueeed his hand5 )ro3ise5

"t was 3assive: a cit# o4 classical *uildings 4ashioned 4ro3 gre# concrete5 % sie and scale and sense o4

o$ti3is3 that $ut the Millenniu3 Do3e to sha3e5 Each and ever# countr# and do3inion and colon# o4

the British E3$ire was re$resented+ so3e with their own vast concrete $avilions+ so3e sharing with others5

0or3al gardens and walkwa#s 3eant that the 3ass o4 gre# was never over$owering5 !ose 4ound it

hard to credit that onl# eight# #ears *e4ore her ti3e Britain still had an e3$ire+ although the Doctor

ex$lained it was 3ore like the Euro$ean Anion a collection o4 states and countries that in this case

shared a co33on histor# rather than a co33on geogra$h#5 But des$ite the 4act that Britain no longer

ruled 3an# o4 the3 directl#+ there was a sense o4 cohesion and $ride ever#where5 "n the enor3ous

British govern3ent $avilion+ a gigantic relie4 3a$ o4 the world showed the extent o4 the e3$ire5 Even

now+ a (uarter o4 the wa# through the twentieth centur#+ that e3$ire covered a (uarter o4 the world5

"t was *oth *oring and 4ascinating in e(ual 3easure5 Whenever the# got tired o4 one thing+ the# si3$l#

3oved on until so3ething else caught their interest5 The# see3ed to walk 4or 3iles5 B# late a4ternoon+

as the light was 4ading and the crowds were thinning+ !ose 4ound it hard to distinguish *etween the

di44erent $avilions and exhi*itions5 She could re3e3*er gri3acing at a collection o4 4ox 4urs silver+

*lack+ red and white *ut could not recall whether the# were 4ro3 Canada or ew4oundland5 Or Bur3a5

She re3e3*ered *oth o4 the3 laughing a t a 4ield 4ull o4 ostriches+ *ut were the# 4ro3 South %4rica or

Tristan da CunhaG "t was *ehind the 4ullFsie working re$lica o4 a dia3ondFwashing $lant+ she knew

that5

%nd it wasnt ust the $avilions each o4 the3 in the st#le o4 3agni4icent *uildings in the countr# the#

re$resented5 There was a South %4rican train+ where the Doctor and !ose were served sandwiches 4or

lunch5 There were 4lickering *lackFandFwhite 4il3s o4 local li4e in the various do3inions and colonies5

Tri*al $eo$le 4ro3 West %4rica living in an exact re$lica o4 their own village at ho3e+ overshadowed *#

the concrete $avilion 4ro3 "ndia its st#le re3iniscent o4 the Ta Mahal5

There were sideshows and 3inor exhi*its ever#where5 "n the "ndian $avilion+ it see3ed as i4 ever# $rincein that countr# had a stand where his sta44 were at $ains to show o44 their rulers achieve3ents and the

attractions o4 the local region5

So nothing 4ro3 !ussia then+ !ose o*served as the# 4inall# reached what see3ed like the last 4ew

*uildings5

ah not $art o4 the e3$ire5

=ot their own5

The Doctor nodded5 >e$5 "tll last a while #et+ though its not in the greatest sha$e5



The revolution+ !ose said+ thinking *ack to the discussions at Sir =eorges that 4irst evening5

M3335+

ot a great wa# to run an e3$ire+ " s$ose5 Shooting the king or whatever5

The Tsar5 %nd his wi4e5 %nd his kids5 o+ not great555 Mind #ou+ the Doctor added+ Char les " got his

head cho$$ed o445

That was ages ago5

Which 3akes it *etterG The Doctor clicked his tongue5 Onl# ten 3inutes awa# in the T%!D"S5 Ends

and 3eans+ alwa#s trick#5 He was looking round+ as i4 tr#ing to decide which wa# to go next The wo3en

had dia3onds sewn into their clothes5 Bullets went whiing round the roo3 as the# *ounced o445 Dead in

a cellar+ he sighed+ his *reath 3isting the air5 One o4 the 3ost $ower4ul 4a3ilies on the $lanet+ and

thats a*out the onl# th ing $eo$le re3e3*er a*out the35 That and hae3o$hilia5 He see3ed to have

lost interest suddenl#+ and (uickened his $ace5

Hae3oFwhatG

=ot it 4ro3 Lueen ictoria+ so3ething else $eo$le 4orget5 its a hereditar# thing+ sto$s the *lood 4ro3

clotting5 The girls were 4ine+ *ut $oor little %lex had it5 ast#5

!ose nodded+ vague 3e3ories o4 a T news ite3 a*out exhu3ing the Tsars 4a3il# dri4ting *ack5

=ood o* Charles " didnt have it then5

The Doctor grinned *ack at her+ and the $ast was the $ast again so3ething distant #ou could oke

a*out+ not a tragic 3e3or#5 &ike " said+ it s the one th ing $eo$le re3e3*er a*out the !o3anovs5 That

and the 4act the# died5

%t the *ack o4 the vast exhi*ition area was an enor3ous a3use3ents $ark 4or the children5 Here the

variet# and divergence o4 the lands o4 the e3$ire 3ade wa# 4or a 4ullFsie 3odel o4 the old wo3an who

lived in a shoe5 There certainl# were so 3an# children that no one could have known what to do5 But it

see3ed to !ose she hadnt actuall# *een too hard done *# with all 3anner o4 ga3es and

a3use3ents including a 3iniature railwa# to entertain her guests5

0reddie+ she thought sadl#+ would have adored it5 The $lace was like an innocent and naive version

o4 the the3e $arks !ose knew5 "nstead o4 roller coasters and rides+ there were seeFsaws and swings and

rocking horses5 %nd instead o4 *ored $arents shouting at their children or ignoring the3+ there was an

ar3# o4 uni4or3ed nurses su$ervising the #oungsters so that $arents could wander 4reel# through the

e3$ire o4 realit# while their children ex$lored the wonders o4 this i3aginar# world5

Thats $rogress 4or #ou+ she thought5

But the *iggest shock was the 4inal *uilding5 Know where #ou are #etG the Doctor asked+ a3used at !oses ex$ression as she realised what she

was looking at5 Anion acks 4lew 4ro3 the 4lag$oles on the two glea3ing white towers5 The whole

3agni4icent edi4ice looked new and con4ident and as i4 it would stand 4or ever as a re3inder o4 the

te3$orar# world the Doctor and !ose had ust walked through5

We3*le# Stadiu35

The# call it the E3$ire Stadiu3+ the Doctor told her5 &argest s$orts arena in the world5 Bigger

than the Colosseu35



" saw the3 $ulling down the towers+ !ose said5 On the tell#5

"t o$ened 4or the 0% Cu$ 4inal last #ear+ .7/95

She was standing in awe+ looking u$ at the white concrete that see3ed so strong and $e r3anent5

!e3e3*ering the indignit# o4 its destruction5 Who wonG

The Doctor stared at her in so3ething a$$roaching dis*elie45 Bolton Wanderers+ he said5 Who

elseG "n the sa3e tone o4 voice+ he added+ "t wasnt ust rando3+ #ou know5 Whoever took the T%!D"S

3ust have had a good reason5 "ts ti3e we got this sorted5



S"

The *uilding on the o$$osite side o4 the street was an i3$osing shadow in the gathering evening5 !onald

Cheshunt sni44ed and nodded as he watched the uni4or3ed door3an walk slowl# *ack and 4orth+

gloved hands *ehind his *ack+ 4eet sta3$ing to kee$ war35

ever done a clu* *e4ore+ he con4essed5 >ou+ Matt#G

Matt# Black shook his head5 He was a tall+ lean 3an5 % contras t to the rather shorter and 3ore $ortl#

4igure o4 Cheshunt &ooks eas# enough5

Cheshunt ru**ed at his 3issha$en nose with a callused hand5 >eah5 Eas#5 Tell us again what #oure

a4ter5

The wo3an re3ained in the darkest o4 shadows5 The onl# good gli3$se that Cheshunt had caught o4

her 4ace had *een a *lank 3ask literall#5 % s3ooth+ $a$erFwhite a$$roxi3ation o4 a 4ace 3ade all the

3ore disconcerting *# the wa# her real e#es stared darkl# out o4 it5 %n#thing relating to the Doctor and

!ose T#ler 5 >ou will search thei r roo3s+ now " have told #ou where the# are5 >ou will check their

*elongings+ $a$ers+ clothes5 " shall need a 4ull descri$tion o4 ever#thing5

!ight5 >eah5 "n addition+ " want to know how and i4 the# are registered as guests or 3e3*ers5 What sureties i4 an#

the# have o44ered5 Who has vouched 4or the3 and under what circu3stances5 "n short+ whatever is

recorded a*out the3 in the clu*s records5 The register is in the 4ront desk5 The other records are in

the sa4e+ as " have told #ou5 " shall also want to know o4 an# securit# 3easures #ou encounter5

>ou whatG Cheshunt stared at the wo3an+ his 4ace al3ost as *lank as hers5

% sigh 4ro3 *ehind the 3ask5 What $recautions the# have taken to deter intruders such as

#ourselves5 %lar3s+ strong roo3s+ de4ences5 %n#thing5

Oh+ right5

There 3ust *e stu44 3ore valua*le than ust $a$ers and records+ Matt# insisted5 Well co3e out o4

there laden+ he hissed excitedl# to Cheshunt5

>ou will not+ the wo3an said shar$l#5 Her e#es glistened in the $ale sha$e o4 the 3ask5 >ou will con4ine

#ourselves to the 3atters " have s$eci4ied5 " would rather no one even knew #ou had *een there5 She

hesitated in the darkness+ then went on+ >ou 3a# *e wondering how " alread# know so 3uch5

>our *usiness5

True5 But it 3a# *e o4 interest to #ou to know that an555 associate o4 3ine s$oke to one o4 the sta44 at



so3e length5 " would have $re4erred to have her 3ake 4urther en(uiries 4or 3e+ *ut sadl# she was not coF

o$erative5

>eah+ Matt# said+ not at all interested5 er# sad5

M# associate had to deal with her (uite sternl#5 She leaned 4orward and the glow 4ro3 a near*#

street la3$ 3ade her white 4ace shine like a ghost5 "n 4act+ ver# sternl#5 %s a result the un4or tunate

wo3ans services are no longer availa*le to 3e5 Or to an#one5 The 4ace turned slowl# 4ro3 Cheshunt to

Matt# and *ack again5 Do " 3ake 3#sel4 clearG

Cheshunt could 4eel his heart thu3$ing rh#th3icall# in his chest as he realised what she was telling the35

er# clear+ lad#5 er# clear5 He nudged Matt# with his el*ow5 We wont *e taking nothing the lad# dont want

4ro3 inside5 %ll rightG

Matt# nodded+ looking down at his 4eet as he shu44led nervousl# under the gae o4 the 4aceless wo3an

and the *url# Cheshunt5 "4 he saw the *lack cat stretched out in the shadows near*# + staring at the3

through startlingl# green e#es+ its ears $ricked u$ attentivel#+ he said nothing5

%4ter the# le4t the British E3$ire Exhi*ition+ the Doctor and !ose took a ca* *ack into the centre o4

&ondon and went sho$$ing5 "t was getting late+ and the sho$s were *eginning to close+ *ut !ose still

3anaged to 4ind so3e clothes that she would 4eel 3ore co34orta*le in5 % woollen suit and a less 4ru3$#

dress were her 3ain $urchases5 'eans or indeed an# wo3ens trousers and TFshirts were nowhere

to *e 4ound5

Ca3ou4lage ackets are hard to 4ind too+ the Doctor said5

!ose wasnt sure i4 he reall# wanted one or i4 he was oking5 She didnt ask5

B# the ti3e she got *ack to the i3$erial Clu*+ !ose was exhausted5 She and the Doctor ate dinner

with W#se+ who was keen to hear all a*out their da#5 He nodded understandingl# as the# told hi3 that

0reddie had not *een allowed to go to the exhi*ition5 He see3ed $leasantl# sur$rised+ though as the#

had *een that %nna had let hi3 co3e in the car5 !ose $ushed her 4ood round the $late+ too tired to

eat 3uch at all5

B# the end o4 the 3eal+ she could hardl# kee$ her e#es o$en5 The Doctor and W#se were talking

$olitics5 Or so3ething5 Boring+ whatever it was5 She 3ade her excuses and le4t the3 to it5 The Doctor

was o*viousl# ha$$# to continue his talk without !oses hel$+ though he was $olite enough not to sa# so5

Back in her roo3+ !ose struggled into a long nightdress that the Doctor had insisted she get5 She

wasn t convinced+ and she decided to wear it 3ore 4or novelt# and authenticit# than co34ort5 %nd *ecause

she was too t ired even to take it o44 again as she colla$sed into *ed5 O4 course+ once she was in *ed+ !ose could not get to slee$5 Ever# ti3e she closed her e#es she

see3ed to 4ind hersel4 walking through #et another concrete $avilion5 Her 4eet 4elt as i4 the# had 4orgotten

how to sto$ walking+ and she 4ound that she was thinking a*out ever#thing in ter3s o4 exhi*its5 She

i3agined the Doctor and W#se $la#ing chess+ and the# were in 4ront o4 an audience+ sitting in an

exhi*ition area on dis$la#5 Each o4 the chess $ieces see3ed to *e at once in the ga3e and in a glass

ca*inet read# to *e ad3ired 4or the cra4ts3anshi$ it de3onstrated5

She doed+ and woke and hal4 sle$t and hal4 woke again5 Ever#th ing and nothing was $art o4 her



drea3s5 She was walking through the clu*+ $eering into the dis$la# ca*inets that see3ed to *e

ever#where5 "n one o4 the3 she was startled to 4ind %ske staring u$ at her5 He winked5 Moving on+ she

4ound !e$$le waiting in the next ca*inet+ ust as she realised she had ex$ected5 But this was a working

exhi*it+ a de3onstration5 The side o4 his 4ace had *een stri$$ed awa# to reveal the workings inside the

skull and the *rain5 One e#e stood $roud+ as in a diagra3 on the classroo3 wall+ to show its workings+

co3$lete i3$ossi*l# with la*els5

Wh# doesnt he *leedG 0reddie wanted to know5 He was standing the other side o4 the ca*inet+ looking

over at !ose5

He isnt real+ she assured hi35 The#re ust 3ade u$ 4or the show5

There was a *anging sound now5 &ike a knocking5 She knew it was %ske+ tr#ing to get out o4 his

ca*inet5 Knocking 4or hel$5 Beco3ing 3ore and 3ore 4rantic5 >et she could not look awa# 4ro3 the $rone

4igure o4 !e$$le5 Hel$ hi3J she shouted at 0reddie5

But he shook his head5 " 3ight get hurt5

Then suddenl# the roo3 went dark+ and !ose realised she was awake at last5 %nd the *anging+

thu3$ing+ agonised heart*eat o4 sound was still there a*ove her5

!ose sat u$ in *ed+ suddenl# alert as she struggled to shrug o44 the drea3 and cling to what was

real 5 Sounds scra$ings+ 3ove3ent5 %*ove her5 0ro3 the ceiling+ 4ro3 the 4loor a*ove5 Then a skittering

like claws+ or $erha$s ust a suitcase *eing 3oved5 Because she realised with a 4lush o4 relie4 that there

was so3eone in the roo3 a*ove5 That was all5 The reclusive Mr )ooter had returned 4ro3 his travels5

Even a4ter the sounds sto$$ed+ !ose could not get *ack to slee$5 She see3ed to *e 3ore awake now

than she had ever *een5 She was also hungr#+ and wished she had eaten rather 3ore o4 her dinner5 She

la# there 4or a while in the nearFdarkness5 Then she decided this was sill#+ and she got u$ and $ut the

light on5

%4ter a 4ew 3inutes wandering round the roo3 ai3lessl#+ she went through to the little adoin ing

lounge5 She waited there 4or several 3inutes+ sitting on each o4 the chairs in turn and 4inding none o4 the3

co34orta*le5 Then she went over and knocked on the connecting door to the Doctors roo35 There was

no answer5 When she $ut her ear to the door+ she could hear nothing5 She o$ened the door a crack5

DoctorG Doctor are #ou awakeG

Still no answer5 She held her *reath+ tr#ing to listen 4or his *reathing to tell i4 he was aslee$5 othing5

Oh+ this is stu$id+ she said out loud5 " cant slee$+ and " dont *elieve #ou even do slee$5 She

4u3*led round on the wall inside the door+ and 4ound the *u3$ o4 the light switch so 3uch 3ore

$ro3inent than the 4lat white $lastic light switches in her 4lat5 "t was as i4 so3eone had stuck hal4 acricket *all there5

The lights ca3e on+ harsh and un4orgiving+ to reveal a *ed that was not onl# e3$t# *ut unsle$t in5

T#$ical5 He was $ro*a*l# still $la#ing chess5 She went *ack to her own roo3 to 4ind so3e clothes5

>ou know+ so3eti3es " des$air o4 the e3$ire+ " reall# do5 W#se ke$t his 4ingers on the rook as he

considered his 3ove5 >es+ wh# notG he decided5

OhG+



This $assion 4or sel4Fdeter3ination and allowing colonies to secede5

ot in 4avourG The Doctor considered his next 3ove5 He *lew out a long *reathI it reall# was (uite di44icult5

W#se was a clever and skil4ul o$$onent+ and the Doctor was ust itching to 3ove so3ething and *e

done with it5

%ll right as an ideal+ " su$$ose5 But wheres it going to endG " 3ean+ look whats ha$$ened in "reland+

and thats not over *# a long chalk+ "ll warrant5

Well+ (uite5 The Doctor knew where it was going to end+ and he was care4ul to neither agree nor

disagree5

% strong central govern3ent+ thats what we need5 %n overriding $hiloso$h#+ with so3e local leewa#5

>ou reckonG

Well+ its that or let the3 sli$ *ack to *ar*arit#5 Take the Anited States+ 4rinstance5

Bar*arous+ the Doctor agreed with a s3ile5

o+ no5 " 3ean the# 3anage to 3aintain a 4ederal s#ste35 %l*eit with a rather 3ore cohesive

geogra$h# and an a$$roxi3ation at least o4 the English language5

"snt that what the Co33onwealth is all a*outG

"s itG W#se 3oved one o4 his knights 4orward5 Thought that was a*out giving u$ $ower while tr# ing to

kee$ 4ace5 !eci$e 4or disaster+ in 3# o$inion5 &oss o4 control5 See3s to 3e were in danger o 4 4eeling

asha3ed o4 an e3$ire we should *e $roud o45 Oh+ and thats check+ *# the wa#+ he $ointed out5

Ma#*e there are things to *e asha3ed o4 too5 Without *othering to look at the *oard+ the Doctor

3oved his king out o4 check5

Oh+ undou*tedl#+ W#se agreed5 &ots o4 e3+ "3 sure5 But den#ing the good things doesnt 3ake the

*ad ones an# *etter+ does itG Best to own u$ to ever#thing+ good and *ad5 %lwa#s a tradeFo445 He

re3oved the Doctors (ueen and $ut his knight on the s(uare where she had *een5 See what " 3eanG

Sure #ou wanted to do thatG the Doctor asked+ e#es glittering in the 4irelight5

WhatG W#se ins$ected the *oard+ and 4rowned5 Blast it5 He leaned *ack in his chair+ $ushed his

3onocle into his e#e+ and s3iled5 >ou know+ Doctor+ #ou should tr# running an e3$ire5 "ve a 4eeling #oud

*e rather good at it5

The Doctor s3iled *ack5 %nother ga3eG

The 3oon was hidden *ehind s3ok# clouds so that the onl# light was 4ro3 the street la3$s as the#

struggled to cast a glow through the thin+ swirling 4og5 The "3$erial Clu* was locked u$+ the door3an

gone+ the lights out5 %slee$ 4or the night5 Or so Cheshunt and Matt# ho$ed as the# 3ade their wa#cautiousl# to the *ack o4 the *uilding5

Matt# was carr#ing a heav# *ullse#e lantern which he contrived to shine ever#where exce$t where

Cheshunt wanted it5 "t would *e easier 4or Cheshunt to take it hi3sel4+ he knew5 But what was the $oint o4

*eing in charge i4 #ou did ever#thing #oursel4G

See3s (uiet enough+ he grunted+ a**ing a 3eat# 4inger at the *ack door in an e44ort to $ersuade

Matt# to hold the light over the lock5 Once he could see+ it was a 3atter o 4 a 4ew 3o3ents with a

$icklock+ and the# were inside5



Cheshunt had a rough sketch 3a$ o4 the interior5 He had not asked the wo3an in the 3ask where shed

got it5 He was not sure he wanted to know the answer or what had ha$$ened to the $erson who had

$rovided it5 But it served to show the wa# through the service areas and servants (uarters at the *ack

o4 the *uilding5

The# had decided to start with the 4o#er and the clu*s records5 "4 all went according to $lan+ the#

could then 3ove on to the Doctors roo3s5 Both Cheshunt and Matt# were used to searching roo3s

while their owners sle$t on in their near*# *eds+ o*livious5 Each o4 the3 was carr#ing a s3all hessian

sack which had acco3$anied the3 on 3an# $revious ex$editions o4 a si3ilar nature5

"t all started to go wrong as the# e3erged into the 3ain 4o#er5 Cheshunt held u$ his hand to sto$

Matt# in the doorwa#5 The# stared out across the 3ar*led 4loor and the huge staircase that swe$t

i3$osingl# u$wards5

What is itG Matt# whis$ered5

oices+ Cheshunt said (uietl#5 &isten5

!ight at the edge o4 his hearing+ Cheshunt could 3ake out the sound o4 $eo$le talking5 &aughter5 He

led Matt# to each o4 the several doorwa#s o44 the 4o#er in turn5 Eventuall# the# 4ound where the voices were

co3ing 4ro35 The doorwa# gave into an oakF$anelled corridor with $aintings hanging on the walls5 The

two 3en cre$t slowl# down the $assagewa#+ read# to turn and run at an# 3o3ent5 When the#

reached the end+ Cheshunt 3otioned 4or Matt# to sta# $ut while he $eered round the doorwa# and into

the large+ $anelled roo35

There were two 3en+ (uite a wa# across the roo35 The# see3ed to *e $la#ing so3e ga3e on a

ta*le draughts or do3inoes or so3ething5 Between taking their turns+ the# talked and laughed

together5 The# see3ed well occu$ied+ and i4 the# had sat there until three in the 3orning+ Cheshunt

ex$ected and ho$ed the# were not a*out to 3ove now5 He gestured 4or Matt# to retreat down the corridor+

the voices 4ading *ehind the35

%s he turned to 4ollow+ Cheshunt noticed the third occu$ant o4 the roo35 % cat5 % *lack cat with

triangular white 3arkings on its 4ront5 The cat lea$ed down 4ro3 the leather so4a where it had *een

stretched out5 " t stared across the roo3+ as though it had seen Cheshunt+ though he was sure it could not

have done5 Then it started across the roo3 towards hi35 He turned and hurried a4ter Matt#5

Back in the 4o#er+ Matt# was alread# starting work on the s3all wooden desk that stood discreetl# to

the side o4 the 3ain doors5 The lights were turned down low+ and Matt# was holding the lantern in one

hand while he worked on the lock with the other5 Cheshunt hurried to o in hi3+ the cat alread#

4orgotten5 But he was soon re3inded o4 it5 0orce4ull# 5 The cat e3erged 4ro3 the corridor and hurled itsel4

across the 4o#er+ claws clicking a ra$id rh#th3 on the stone 4loor like the ticking o4 a clock5 "t gave a

screeching #owl o4 anger as it lea$ed at Cheshunt and Matt#5

Cheshunt swore and ste$$ed aside+ hand raised in 4ront o4 his 4ace5 Matt#+ intent on *reaking the lock+

had not seen the cat5 He looked u$+ startl ed *# the sound5 The la3$ swung wildl# as he tried to get u$

a hand to $rotect hi3sel45 Claws slashed at his 4ace5 Shadows stretched and loo3ed in the la3$light5

Matt# was shouting to Cheshunt 4or hel$ as the creature crashed into hi3+ tearing and slashing and



#owling5

The noise echoed round the 4o#er5 Soon it was oined *# running 4eet 4ro3 the $assagewa#5

Cheshunt was $ulling at the heav# *undle o4 4ur that was cla3$ed to Matt#s 4ace+ ri$$ing it awa# and

hurling it to the 4loor5 The cat landed on all 4our 4eet+ turned in an instant+ launched itsel4 a t Cheshunt5

The 3en 4ro3 the $anelled roo3 were there now+ running+ shouting5 Cheshunt considered *lu44ing+

$retending he and Matt# had ever# right to *e there and asking 4or hel$ to get the dratted ani3al awa#

4ro3 the35 But 4ro3 the ex$ression o4 *oiling anger on the 4ace o4 the 3an wearing the 3onocle+ he

knew there was no $oint5

0or a 3o3ent the# con4ronted each other5 The cat was on the desk+ hissing at Cheshunt5 Matt#

was so**ing with $ain + scratched head in hands5 The two 3en s tood 4acing the3 across the 4o#er5

Then suddenl#+ *iarrel#+ the other 3an the one in the dark leather acket grinned like an a3used

school*o#5

Hello+ he said *rightl#5

So3ehow that was 3ore 4rightening than the 4irst 3ans anger or the cats claws5 The con4idence and

a3use3ent o4 the 3an told Cheshunt in an instant that he had no chance o4 inti3idating hi3+ and little

chance o4 esca$e5

Whats going onG The voice ca3e 4ro3 the 3ain stairs5 DoctorG

"t distracted the two 3en+ ust 4or a second5 &ong enough 4or Cheshunt to gra* Matt# and $ush hi3

roughl# towards the 3ain doors5

The cat hissed again+ and lea$ed5 But Cheshunt was read# 4or it now5 He ignored the #oung wo3an

running down the stairs+ the two 3en starting across the 4o#er5 He let the sack he was holding 4all o$en

in one hand5 With the other he caught the cat in 3idFair+ 4elt its uncann# strength+ so3ehow 3anaged

to *undle it into the sack and $ull the strings at the to$ closed5

Matt# had o$ened the door+ *olts scra$ing and lock $rotesting5 The two o4 the3 tu3*led out+

down the ste$s+ and ran5

Thanks+ !ose+ ca3e the sarcastic voice o4 the 3an 4ro3 *ehind the35 There was a clatter o4 4eet in

$ursuit+ ra$id down the ste$s *ehind the35 Cheshunt did not turn to see who was 4ollowing5 He ran

a4ter Matt#+ holding the sack at ar3s length+ des$erate not to *e scratched *# the 4rantic+ daggerF

shar$ claws that lashed through the heav# 3aterial5 He would du3$ the wretched ani3al as soon as he

got the chance5 %nd he knew exactl# where+ he thought the onl# $leasant thought in his 3ind right

now5

What are #ou doingG !ose asked hersel45 There was no wa# she could catch the two intruders+ and even

i4 she did the# were hardl# going to co3e (uietl# *ack to the i3$erial Clu* to a$ologise and ex$lain

the3selves5 She slowed to a og as the two 3en ahead o4 her reached the end o4 the *ridge5

The 3oon was strugg ling through the th in clouds and the start o4 a rain shower had dis$elled the last

wis$s o4 4og+ so she could see the3 clearl#5 The s3all 3an still had his hands over his 4ace5 The larger

3an was talking to hi35 %s !ose watched+ he held u$ the *ag5 She could see it 3oving+ struggling+

s(uir3ing as the cat inside struggled to *e 4ree5



"n a 3o3ent+ she knew what the 3an was going to do+ and she was running again5 But there was

no wa# she could get there in ti3e5 With a loud *ellow o4 laughter+ the 3an let the *ag dro$5 Then the two

o4 the3 were running again5

!ose reached the *ridge and looked over5 She could see the 3urk# water *elow re4lecting *ack a

*roken i3age o4 the 3oon5 The rain was getting heavier+ $e$$ering the sur4ace o4 the river5 The $ale neck

o4 the *ag was ust disa$$earing under the water+ the strings hesitating a 3o3ent *e4ore 4ollowing it down5

!ose stared in dis*elie45 Hed done it+ hed reall# done it chucked the $oor thing into the r iver5 She

stared down+ wondering i4 it was too late to u3$ in and tr# to 4ind the *ag5 She thought o4 the cold+

3urk# water+ the length o4 the dro$ to the river+ how she would ever get out again or not5 o *u**les

*roke the sur4ace o4 the Tha3es5 !ose stood there+ staring down at the river+ hal4 ex$ecting ho$ing+

willing the cat to co3e struggling to the sur4ace s$itting water and hissing with 4ear5 But there was

nothing5 She shivered+ swallowed+ and turned reluctantl# awa#5

The lights were on and the doors were o$en *ack at the "3$erial Clu*5 The un4la$$a*le Crowther

was in the 4o#er+ exa3ining the desk that the 3en had *een tr#ing to o$en5 He nodded at !ose+ not at

all sur$rised to see her co3e in+ hair slicked down *# the rain5

Theres tea in the Bastille !oo3+ 3iss+ he said+ as i4 serving tea at gone three in the 3orni ng was as

natural as *reathing5

What do #ou think the# were a4terG !ose asked5

Crowther sni44ed5 Mone#+ " ex$ect+ 3iss5 ot that the# would have 4ound an#5

" thought the# 3ight *e a4ter so3ething o4 Mr )ooters+ !ose said5

!eall#+ 3iss+ wh# is thatG

She shrugged5 " heard he was *ack+ thats all5 " thought 3a#*e hed *rought so3ething valua*le with

hi35

Crowther was shaking his head5 "3 a4raid #oure 3istaken5 There is a trustees 3eeting to3orrow+ *ut

Mr )ooter has not #et returned5 " dont ex$ect hi3 until the 3eeting+ late to3orrow 3orning5 That is+ he

corrected hi3sel4+ late this 3orning5

But " heard so3eone in his roo35 %*ove 3ine5 Tonight5 "3 sure5

Crowther was 4rowning now5 That isnt $ossi*le+ 3iss5 Mr )ooter isnt here+ and no one else would *e

in his roo3s5 " can assure #ou o4 that5 Anless the intruders555

!ose shook her head5 o+ no+ *e4ore that5 %ges ago5 She shrugged5 " 3ust *e wrong+ she said+ though

she knew she wasnt5 So3ething to tell the Doctor+ !ose decided5

But when she arrived in the Bastille !oo3 all thoughts o4 the noises 4ro3 the roo3 a*ove were driven4ro3 her 3ind5 The Doctor and W#se were sitting with %ske and !e$$le and several other 3e3*ers o4

the clu* who looked as i4 the# had dressed in haste when the# heard the distur*ance5 Most o4 the3 were

si$$ing tea and staring at each other through *lear# e#es5 Onl# the Doctor+ W#se and !e$$le see3ed

awake and alert5 %ske was #awning5

%nd on the so4a *eside W#se+ stretched out so he could tickle it under the chin+ was a *lack cat5 "t

turned as !ose a$$roached+ watching her through its e3erald e#es+ the triangular $atch o4 white 4ur on

its 4ront catching the glow o4 the 4irelight as it $urred contentedl#5



SEBE

"t was a cris$ 3orning5 The Doctor was a*le to *low long strea3s o4 3ist 4ro3 his 3outh into the cold

air5 He took $leasure in ste$$ing on last nights $uddles+ his 4eet *reaking through the thin crust o4 ice and

s$lashing into the water *elow5 Once he 3isudged it and his 4oot skidded on the ice without *reaking the

sur4ace5 He struggled to retain his *alance+ ar3s 4lailing like a wind3ill5 He laughed long and loud+

drawing the *e3used attention o4 several other $eo$le hurr#ing through the cold o4 the 3orning5

The Doctor and !ose had sat u$ 3ost o4 the rest o4 the night with W#se *e4ore !ose 4inall# went to

catch so3e 3ore slee$ a4ter a *ite o4 *reak4ast and a 3outh4ul o4 co44ee5 W#se+ like the Doctor + see3ed

none the worse 4or having *een u$ all night5

O4ten took the night watch in the trenches+ he con4essed5 The lads see3ed to a$$reciate it5

>ou were an o44icerG the Doctor asked5

&owl# ca$tain5 S$ent three #ears staring at 3ud and *loodshed5 =ot to the $oint where #ou cou ldnt

tell one 4ro3 the other+ #ou know5

The Doctor nodded5 " know+ he said (uietl#5

>ou in the warG W#se wanted to know5 Been in 3an# wars5 0ar too 3an#5

+

Thought as 3uch5 >ou can tell5 "ts there in the e#es5 %nd the att itude too5 % sort o4 enthusias3 4or li4 e

*etween the ennui5 &ike we cant (uite *elieve were still here+ *ut we 3ust 3ake the 3ost o4 it while we

are5 He sighed and nodded at the chess set on the ta*le *etween the35 Best stick to chess5 0ar less

dangerous5

Asuall#+ the Doctor agreed with a s3ile5

&i4e itsel4 was taking on so3e o4 the 3ore intriguing as$ects o4 a ga3e o4 chess+ the Doctor decided

as he 3ade his wa# to Sir =eorges5 The *reakFin the $revious night would a$$ear to have as little to

do wi th the loss o4 the T%!D"S as would the advance o4 an outl#ing $awn on the 4ate o4 a king5 But

there was a connection+ he was sure5 'ust as the loss and return o4 his coat were so3ething 3ore than

the# see3ed5 >ou had to start so3ewhere+ and the coat was as good a $lace as an#5

Besides+ he liked a 3#ster#5

"t was a res$ecta*le hour *# the ti3e he arrived5 Dickson was+ as ever + courteous and un4 la$$a*le5

He o44ered to take the Doctors coat+ *ut the Doctor s3iled and ke$t it5 ot that " think it 3ight go

3issing again+ he assured Dickson5 But " want to talk to #oung 0reddie a*out it5 %3ong other things5



>ou dont think555 Dickson *lurted uncharacteristicall#5

The Doctor raised an e#e*row and cocked his head+ inviting Dickson to continue5 But the 3an cleared

his throat+ e3*arrassed+ and said nothing 3ore5

o+ " dont+ the Doctor assured hi35 Hes a good lad5 " like hi3 too5 Thought hed want to hear a*out the

exhi*ition5

Dicksons 3outh twitched in the ghost o4 a s3ile+ as i4 acknowledging that he had *een 4ound out5

Hell *e $leased to see #ou+ Doctor5 He doesnt get a lot o4 visitors5 Shall " in4or3 Sir =eorge that #ou are

visitingG

The Doctor s3iled *ack5 Do5 There are no secrets here5

Dickson le4t the Doctor in the drawing roo3 as he went to 4ind 0reddie5

Anlike so3e $laces+ the Doctor went on+ (uietl#+ to hi3sel45

0reddie was excited to see the Doctor5 He asked hi3 all a*out the British E3$ire Exhi*ition5 The

Doctor was ha$$# to descri*e their visit and went through a catalogue o4 what the# had seen+ rewarded

*# 0reddies evident interest5 The *o# asked endless (uestions+ and the Doctor $atientl# answered the35

Sir =eorge $ut his head round the door at one $oint+ listened to the conversation 4or a 4ew 3o3ents+

then s3iled and nodded at the Doctor+ and le4t the3 to it5

%4ter 3ore than an hour+ the Doctor 4inished his descri$tion5 He held u$ his hand to curtail an# 3ore

(uest ions+ and told 0reddie+ ow "ve so3ething " want to ask #ou5

0reddie was sitting sidewa#s on a so4a+ with his weak leg u$ on a cushion5 %n#thing5

!e3e3*er #esterda#+ when !ose and " ca3e to see #ou+ " asked #ou a*out 3# coatG

0reddie nodded5

>ou said " saw her with it5

>es5 The )ainted &ad#5 " saw her with #our coat5

" didnt realise what #ou were telling 3e5 "3 sorr#5 " know she didnt co3e here #esterda# so #ou

3ust have 3eant during the dinner $art#5 >ou were watching 4ro3 the landing+ werent #ouG

0reddie nodded5 He was *iting his lower li$ anxiousl#5

>oure not in trou*le+ the Doctor assured hi35 >ou could *e a hero5

% heroG

The Doctor grinned5 "3 ver# attached to 3# coat5 Tell 3e a*out it5

" was watching+ 4ro3 the landing5 &istening to ever#one talking5 " could hear voices 4ro3 the dining

roo3 when the door was o$en5 That was when " heard555 He $aused+ looked awa#5 Then ever#one was

leaving5 !ose saw 3e watching5 " thought she would give 3e awa#+ tell 0ather5 !ose wouldnt do that+ the Doctor said gentl#5

" know5 But " was still worried5 Then+ a4ter !ose went+ the lad# in the 3ask was le4t alone5 %nd she went

*ack into the dining roo35 " was going to go *ack to *ed+ *ut " wanted to know what she was doing5 She

said she was leaving+ then she sta#ed5

CuriousG

>es5 Shes 3#sterious5 She needs investigating5

>ou investigate lots o4 $eo$leG



&oads5 " have a note*ook+ " write down ever#thing a*out the35

The Doctor s3iled5 !eall#G Whatve #ou written a*out 3eG

0reddie grinned5 She wasnt gone long+ the )ainted &ad#5 She had #our coat5 " like #our coat5 "t looks so

co34orta*le and war3 and555 right5

What did she do thenG

She went5

Taking 3# coat5 'ust like thatG

0reddie nodded5 She 4elt in the $ockets 4irst 5 She 4ound so3ething she was interested in5 % silver rod

or so3ething5

ThisG He held u$ the sonic screwdriver 4or 0reddie to see5

>es+ thats it5 She looked at it5 She see3ed interested5

" *et5

Then she heard so3eone co3ing5 Dickson with the $ort+ " think5 She le4t (uickl#5 %nd " went *ack to

*ed5 He hesitated+ then asked+ Does that hel$G "s that what #ou wanted to hearG

The Doctor clicked his tongue5 >es and no+ he decided5 "t he l$s5 "t isnt what " wanted to hear5 He

stood u$ and $ulled his coat tight a*out hi3 as i4 checking it still 4itted5 See #ou then+ he told 0reddie5 %

thought occurred to hi3 as he 3ade to leave5 The Doctor turned *ack+ not sur$rised to 4ind 0reddie

watching hi3 attentivel#5

Do #ou want to tr# the coat onG the Doctor asked5 He could see the answer at once 4ro3 the *o#s

ex$ression+ and he sli$$ed o44 the acket and held it out5

"t was 3iles too *ig o4 course5 But 0reddie $ulled *ack the sleeves and grinned5 Can " kee$ itG

The Doctor laughed5 %4raid not5 "d get cold5 He waited 4or 0reddie to hand *ack the coat 5 %s he

took i t+ whi le 0reddie was still holding it+ the Doctor looked into 0reddies e#es5 &ook a4ter #oursel4+ he

said+ (uietl#5 &eave 3e to investigate Melissa Heart+ all rightG

The *o# let go o4 the coat+ and turned awa#5 %ll right5

"t didnt sur$rise !ose that the Doctor had wandered o44 so3ewhere without leaving her a note or a

3essage5 Crowther was a*le to tell her si3$l# that he had gone out earl# that 3orning5

The head steward see3ed $reoccu$ied+ and !ose recalled that he had told her there was a

trustees 3eeting late that 3orning and Mr )oote r was ex$ected 5 That in turn re3inded her o4 the

noises she had heard 4ro3 the roo3 a*ove the night *e4ore5 Could it have *een the intrudersG Had

the# *een on the to$ 4loor+ $erha$s even co3e in that wa#G There was no wa# o4 knowing+ o4 course+unless the reclusive Mr )ooter returned to discover his roo3s had *een distur*ed5

She looked 4or W#se to see i4 he knew where the Doctor had gone+ or when he 3ight *e *ack5 But

there was no sign o4 hi3 in the Bastille !oo35 %ske and !e$$le were talking (uietl# in a corner5 She

could hear !e$$les righteous tones as he descri*ed how unustl # he had *een de$osed5 %ske was

doing his *est to s#3$athise5 The# looked u$ as !ose a$$roached+ and *oth see3ed relieved to see

that it was her5 But neither o4 the3 knew where the Doctor was5

W#se 3a# *e out visiting+ %ske suggested5 He $la#s chess against a 4riend ever# Wednesda#5



"s it Wednesda#G !ose asked5 " lose track5

He usuall# goes in the evening+ though+ !e$$le $ointed out5 He could *e an#where5 Sorr#5

The onl# use4ul in4or3ation the# were a*le to i3$art was that the trustees 3eeting was likel# to take

$lace in what the# called the *oardroo3 on the 4irst 4loor5 %nd *ecause she had nothing *etter to do+

!ose decided she 3ight as well see i4 she could 4ind where this was5 She 3ight also get a gli3$se o4

the elusive Mr )ooter+ she thought with a s3ile5

"t was i33ediatel# a$$arent which was the *oardroo35 There was a uni4or3ed clu* steward

stand ing outside+ though whether on guard or waiting to attend to an# orders 4or tea and *iscuits it was

i3$ossi*le to tell5 "t did 3ean+ though+ that !ose wouldnt *e listening at the door5

Which was a sha3e+ she thought5 She was (uite intrigued to see the 3#sterious Mr )ooter and there

was the added incentive that the# 3ight well *e talking a*out the circu3stances o4 hersel4 and the

Doctor5 W#se had suggested he would s$onsor their a$$lication to sta# at the clu*+ and with the Doctor

showing no a$$arent s igns o4 even looking 4or the T%!D"S+ having so3ewhere to sta# see3ed like a

$rett# good 3ove5

"t had struck !ose that as 3uch o4 the di44erence o4 &ondon in the .7/-s was to do with what was

3issing as what was changed5 True+ the cars and clothes and *uildings were di44erent5 But there was no

&ondon E#e do3inating the lowFrise sk#line5 There was no loud 3usic in the streets+ little tra44ic noise+

$racticall# no $lanes5 o road 3arkings or $ersonal stereos or TFshirt slogans5 %nd inside the *uilding she

had realised that there were no 4ireFexit signs or s3oke detectors5

But there was a 4ire esca$e5 % galvanised 3etal gantr# on each 4loor at the *ack o4 the *uilding+ with

$recar iousFlooking 3etal ste$s to each level on the lower 4loors that *eca3e a distinctl# treacherousF

looking ladder as it reached 3ore than hal4wa# u$ the *uild ing5 The gantr# on the 4irst 4loor was reached

not 4ro3 a 4ire door+ *ut *# cli3*ing out o4 a window o4 one o4 the larger roo3s the *oardroo35 Which

3eant+ !ose reasoned+ that i4 she got on to the 4ire esca$e 4ro3 the 4loor a*ove+ she could sneak

down and $erha$s get a look at the trustees through the window5 Was it worth the e4 4ort+ she wonderedG

What the heck+ shed nothing else to do5

Hal4wa# down+ she was not sure this was a terri4ic idea5 The stairwa# creaked and cracked under her

weight5 Was it her i3agination+ or was the whole thing swa#ing as she 3ovedG How was it 4ixed to the

*uilding an#wa# surel# it couldnt *e ust that *olt sticking out o4 the cru3*ling stoneworkG But it

was as 4ar to go *ack now as it was to cree$ down to the 3etal *alcon# and edge along until she could

see into the *oardroo35 "4 onl# the late 3orning sun hadnt *een shining directl# at the glass+ she could

have seen in 4ro3 higher u$+ 4ro3 where she was5 She cre$t as close as she dared+ leaning out so that the sunlight no longer glinted *ack in her e#es5

Sure enough+ she could see into the roo3 4ro3 here5 But it was ra ther a restricted view5 The window

was shut+ so she could hear nothing5 "4 she went an# closer she 3ight have a *etter view and 3ight even

catch a 4ew words+ *ut she then risked *eing seen5 So she crouched down where she was and stared+

disa$$ointed+ at the shouldersFtoFwaist view she had o4 several 3en in suits5 The to$ o4 the ta*le was

clearl# visi*le+ with its arra# o4 $a$ers+ $ens+ notes+ and resting hands5 One o4 the hands dru33ed *ored

4ingers on the $olished sur4ace5 %nother was *unched into a 4ist and crashed down to e3$hasise



whatever $oint the s$eaker was 3aking5

The chair at the head o4 the ta*le was $ushed *ack5 There were no $a$ers or notes in 4ront o4 the

3an sitting there+ and *ecause o4 how the chair was angled+ !ose could see all o4 the 3an 4ro3 the neck

down5 "33aculate $instri$ed suit+ dark socks and $olished shoes5 Mr )ooter+ she $resu3ed5 Sitti ng

incongruousl# in the 3ans la$ was the cat5 She could clearl# see the distinctive white triangle o4 4ur+ and

she couldnt hel$ s3iling at how the creature 3ust have esca$ed 4ro3 the river5

)ooter was holding the cat with one hand+ al3ost $rotectivel#5 His other hand was *unched into a 4ist+

and he ru**ed his knuckles into the cats head5 The cat see3ed un$ertur*ed+ and !ose could i3agine

it $urr ing at the attention5 "ts ears stood u$right and alert+ its green e#es 4licking *ack and 4orth as i4 it

was listening to ever# word o4 the 3eeting5

!ealising she was going to learn nothing o4 interest+ !ose took a care4u l+ crouched ste$ *ackwards+

towards the ste$s u$ to the second 4loor5 But not care4ul enough5 Her 4oot scra$ed along the 3etal

gantr#+ and the whole 4ire esca$e creaked o3inousl#5 She 4roe5

"nside the roo3 there was no noticea*le reaction5 Exce$t 4ro3 the cat5 "t had turned+ )ooters knuckles

still ru44ling the 4ur on its head5 ow it was staring at the window5 "ts e3erald loenge e#es 4ixed on !oses+

ust 4or an instant5 'ust long enough 4or her to know 4or certain that it had seen her5 Then the cat turned

awa#+ dis3issing her as inconse(uential5 0eeling stu$id+ disa$$ointed and unsettled+ !ose $added awa#5

The Doctor was waiting 4or !ose in the 4o#er5 He gave ever# i3$ression o4 having *een there 4or hours5

He was $eering with interest at a $ainting+ ta$$ ing one 4oot i3$atientl#5 !ose guessed he had ust

ni$$ed in ahead o4 her and that it was all an act5 But she couldnt *e sure5

There #ou are+ he said without looking as she cre$t u$ *ehind hi35

>eah5 Where have #ou *eenG

Saw 0reddie5 ow the Doctor did turn5 He grinned at her like a school*o#5 Thought "d check to *e sure

*e4ore venturing into the lions den5 &ionesss den+ he corrected hi3sel45

Check whatG

Without reall# noticing+ she had 4ollowed hi3 out o4 the clu* and into the street5 The Doctor licked his

4inger and held it in the air 4or a 3o3ent as he decided which wa# to go5 That Melissa Heart took 3#

coat5 Deli*eratel#5

Shes the lionessG

&ets 4ind out5

How do we do that thenG She had to hurr# to kee$ u$5 The Doctor was striding o44 at s$eed+ with asudden sense o4 $ur$ose5 We go and ask her5 Kee$ u$5

Thatll sur$rise her5

Dou*t it5 He $aused to get his *earings at a unction+ then hurried across the road+ waving a*sentl# at

a horse that drew u$ shar$l# to avoid hitting the35 She 3ade a $oint o4 telling us where she lives5 Twice5

"nvitationG

>e$5+

Shes ex$ecting usG



)ro*a*l# wondering whats taking us so long5 )ro*a*l# thinks were *eing a *it thick5

Whereas in 4act555 !ose 3uttered5

" like $eo$le to think "3 a *it thick+ the Doctor declared+ to the a3use3ent o4 a $assing cou$le5 Makes

the3 careless and arrogant5 !ead# to ex$lain their dastardl# $lan in words o4 one sill555 sill#555 He struggled

to get his 3outh round the word5

S#lla*leG

Thats it5

" got English+ !ose told hi35

Then tell 3e555 He sto$$ed a*ru$tl# and turned to her+ e#es dark and serious5

>esG

"ve alwa#s wondered+ wh# isnt $honetic s$elled with an 0G

!ose stared *ack at hi35 " can teach #ou how to s$ell Doctor with an 05

The# carried on walking5 %4ter a while+ !ose said+ " saw Mr )ooter this 3orning5

OhG Whats he look likeG

Dunno5 Onl# saw hi3 4ro3 the neck down5 S3art+ " s$ose5 Da$$er5 Suit5 >ou know5 &ikes cats5

Doesnt 3ean hes a *ad $erson5

The Doctor sto$$ed+ looking u$ and down the street5 The# were *eside the Tha3es5 !ose could

s3ell the river5

>es+ the Doctor decided+ and walked u$ the $ath to the nearest house5 Here we are5 The *ell $ull

was a long 3etal rod hanging down *eside the 4ront door5 The Doctor gave it a tug+ and so3ewhere dee$

inside the house the# could hear the *ell angling5

The door o$ened a l3ost at once5 Melissa Heart was standing there+ her 4ace a )ierrot s$lit o4 *lack

and white5 % single white teardro$ *roke the varnished *lack o4 the le4t side o4 the 3ask5 Wh#+ Doctor+

and !ose+ this is unex$ected+ she said without a hin t o4 sur$rise5 >ou do kee$ turning u$5 &ike a *ad

wol45

)enn#+ !ose corrected her5

The Doctor grinned5 %ctuall# shes !ose5 The $hrase is+ like a *ad $enn#5 His grin 4aded5 Have

trou*le with the local idio3s+ do #ouG

" know an idio3 when " see one+ Melissa said cooll#5 Tell 3e+ are #ou here to $ut a s3ile on 3# 4aceG Do

co3e in+ let 3e o44er #ou a cu$ o4 tea5

The Doctor sni44ed5 So+ too late 4or lunch thenG

%cross the street a lone 4igure stood in the shadow o4 a tree5 "t watched the door o$en+ saw Melissa Heart

standing there5 "t looked on with interest as she ste$$ed aside to allow the Doctor and !ose to enter the

house5

% ca* rattled $ast+ o*scuring the view o4 the house 4or several 3o3ents5 When it had $assed+ the

door was closed and the Doctor and !ose had gone5 The 4igure stood watching+ thinking555

The house was dee$+ running *ack to the river5 !ose could see the *oats on the Tha3es 4ro3 the



window o4 the large roo3 that Melissa took the3 to5 But it was not the view that caught her attention5

Melissa Heart led the3 to a grou$ o4 ar3chairs arranged around a low ta*le5 On the ta*le was a

tea$ot+ sugar *owl and 3ilk ug and three cu$s5

" ho$e #ouve not 3ade the tea too 3an# ti3es while #ou waited+ the Doctor said5 We had other

a$$oint3ents5

She $oured the tea without co33ent5

Dece$tivel# s$acious+ the Doctor went on+ hands in $ockets as he looked round5 Doesnt look so

*ig 4ro3 outside5 Which re3inds 3e+ he went on+ slu3$ing down into one o4 the chairs+ Weve 3islaid

so3e $ro$ert#5 >ou dont know where it is+ " su$$oseG

The 3ask stared at hi3 *lankl#5

Thought not5 He raised the teacu$+ as i4 in a toast+ then $ointedl# $ut it *ack on the saucer without

drinking5

The roo3 was large+ *ut do3inated *# a long ta*le that ran down one side o4 it5 %t the 4ar end o4

the roo3+ windows gave out on to a short terrace *eside the river5 On the le4t wall was a large 4ire$lace+

and in alcoves either side o4 it two 3atching suits o4 ar3our stood on low $linths5 Their 4aces were

*lank $olished 3etal visors5 Each rested its clenched 3etal gauntlets on the $o33el o4 a long sword

that a**ed into the $linth *etween its 4eet5

The wall o$$osite the 4ire$lace was adorned with several oil $a intings and a la rge shield with two

3ore swords crossed *ehind it5 The wall$a$er had 4aded and the $aintwork was $eeling5 Dust la#

ever#where+ as i4 Melissa Heart had taken u$ te3$orar# residence in an e3$t#+ a*andoned house and

3ade onl# the *arest atte3$t to settle in5

!ose had not sat down5 She was standing *eside the long+ $ol ished wooden ta*le that ran the length

o4 the roo35 %rranged along it was a line o4 3asks5 There 3ust *e twent# or 3ore+ she thought5 She

recognised the ornate *utter4l# 3ask that Melissa had worn when the# 4irst 3et at Sir =eorges5

There were others that were ust as st#lised5 So3e had crude ex$ressions $ainted on the3 with *old+

iconic strokes5 % *road u$li4ting s3ile contrasted with its neigh*our a 3outh droo$ing with sadness

and tears dri$$ing 4ro3 the e#es5 0urther along+ a 4ace with straight 3outh+ wrinkled 4orehead and

crows 4eet round the darkFri33ed e#es stared angril# at the ceiling5 One white 4ace was co3$letel# *lank555

Wh# do #ou wear 3asks all the ti3eG !ose asked5 %4ter all+ wh# not *e directG

Melissa $icked u$ the ha$$# 4ace5 She turned awa# 4ro3 the3 *rie4l#+ and when she turned *ack she

was s3iling5 She $ut the )ierrot 3ask in the s$ace where the s3ile had *een5

So3e sa# it is *ecause " a3 so *eauti4ul none can look at 3e5 Others sa# it is *ecause " a3 so ugl#5 Beaut#s in the e#e o4 the *eholder+ the Doctor said5 So its $oss i*le *oth those theories are true 5

He lea$ed to his 4eet and surve#ed the 3asks arranged on the ta*le5 % 4ace 4or ever# occasion5

>ou think " a3 *eauti4ulG Melissa asked5 She sounded a3used5

Beaut#s onl# 3ask dee$5 Ma#*e #ou ust dont like $eo$le to see #our 4ace5

Wh#G !ose asked5 itsG

Could *e+ the Doctor agreed5 Or shes a4raid her 4ace will give awa# what shes reall# thinking5 How

3uch *etter to wear a 3ask to show others what shed like the3 to see5



"snt that what ever#one doesG Melissa asked5 )erha$s " a3 si3$l# 3ore honest a*out it5 She

turned+ the 3ask $ointing straight at the Doctor5 How honest are #ou+ DoctorG %re #ou reall# what #ou

see3 to *eG

The Doctors 4ace twitched into a hal4Fs3ile5 %nd what do " see3 to *eG

% 3an out o4 his ti3e and $lace+ udging *# what #ou kee$ in #our $ockets5 B# the wa# #our acket is

3ade and the co3$an# #ou kee$5

Oi+ dont *e rude+ !ose said5

Melissa did not turn+ *ut her voice was steelFedged5 )lease dont 3ake 3e wear 3# angr# 4ace5 >our

3anner+ #our de3eanour+ #our voca*ular#+ #our attitude5 The# all 3ark #ou out as an exce$tion here5

%nd #oure interested in exce$tionsG

Onl# one5 %re #ou the one "3 searching 4or+ DoctorG " rather think #ou are5

" rather think " dont know what #oure talking a*out5

ow Melissa did turn to !ose5 >ou shield hi3+ $rotect hi3 des$ite ever#thing+ dont #ouG %dhering to

the letter o4 the law5 Des$ite what he has done5

What has he doneG

>es+ the Doctor said *rightl#+ do tell5

Dont *e crassJ "n a single gesture Melissa scoo$ed u$ the angr# 3ask 4ro3 the ta*le and held it in 4ront

o4 her s3iling 4ace5 The s3ile slid out 4ro3 *ehind and the angr# 4ace was $ushed into $lace in its stead5

" warned #ou not to anger 3e5 >ou know what " a3 talking a*out5 Wh# " a3 here5

Hu3our us+ the Doctor said5 Wh# are #ou hereG

Her voice was disconcertingl# level and controlled *ehind the angr# 3ask5 Wh#+ to kill #ou o4 course5

She ste$$ed *ack and sna$$ed her 4ingers a gunshot o4 sound in the large roo35 %s the noise

4aded+ !ose *eca3e aware o4 another sound a *ackground ticking5 "nstinctivel#+ she glanced at the

e3$t# 3antel a*ove the large 4ire$lace across the roo35

So she was looking al3ost straight at one o4 the suits o4 ar3our when it shuddered and 3oved5 "t

li4ted the heav# sword in its 3etal hands and ste$$ed sti44l# down 4ro3 the low $linth5 The 4eatureless

3ask o4 its hel3et swung slowl#+ erkil# at 4irst+ as it scanned the roo35 "t $aused+ see3ing to see Melissa

Heart5 Then it 4ixed on the Doctor as he ste$$ed across and took !oses hand5 He was tense+ read# to run5

The suit o4 ar3our stared *lankl# at the Doctor and !ose5 The sword raised slowl#+ $oised to strike the

killing *low as it lu3*ered towards the3+ cutting o44 their esca$e5 "ts internal 3echanis3s and gears were

clicking through their inexora*le 3otions like the ticking o4 a clock5



E"=H

Clockwork+ " assu3e+ the Doctor said5 How clever5 He sounded cal3+ *ut his e#es were 3oving ra$idl# as

he hunted 4or a wa# o4 esca$e5

More clever than #ou have *een+ the )ainted &ad# told hi35 She had ste$$ed awa# 4ro3 the Doctor

and !ose to allow the clockwork auto3aton to a$$roach the35 "ts sword was still $oised+ read# to strike5

OhG+

" know how i3$ortant it is to use ones initiative and avoid tracea*le+ anachronistic technolog#5

%h5+

That was how " 4ound #ou+ o4 course5

O4 course5 The T%!D"S+ and then the sonic screwdriver+ he ex$lained to !ose5

" al3ost dis3issed the readings at 4irst+ the# were so 4ar o44 the scale5 %nd ust when " was thinking

#ou were not on this little $lanet at all5 That all 3# e44orts would *e 4or nothing5

Been looking 4or a while then+ the Doctor said5 He was $ulling !ose with hi3 round the ta*le+

awa# 4ro3 the a$$roaching suit o4 ar3our+ kee$ing the ta*le *etween the35 Melissas 3ask 3oved

slightl# as she watched5 0aceless killers on the streets+ !ose said5 Wonder who that could *e then5

The 3etal 4igure lunged 4orwards suddenl#+ slashing downwards with the sword5 The Doctor and

!ose *oth u3$ed *ack5 The sword whistled $ast the Doctor and sliced into the ta*le5 "t cut through the

)ierrot 3ask+ neatl# dividing *lack 4ro3 white5 The Doctor reached across and gra**ed at the *lade+

tr#ing to $ull it awa# 4ro3 the knight5

His hand ca3e awa# cut and *loodied5 Ma#*e not+ he said5 Thats shar$5

More than she is+ !ose retorted5 Whos she reall# looking 4orG

The Doctor shrugged5 So3eone #ou ex$ected to 3eet at Sir =eorges+ was itG >ou alread# had #our

sus$icions5 So3e alien cuckoo in the nest o4 .7/-s &ondonG >ou cant have *een sure+ *ecause #ou

still ca3e to see 3e5

Melissa Heart did not re$l#5 Her 4ace stared at the3 as *lankl# as the clockwork knights5

!ose was thinking a*out what the Doctor had said5 The i3$lications5 Shes alienG

Behind the 3ask5 He glanced towards the door+ checking the wa# was clear5 Well+ 3ust dash5 Sorr#5

But as the# turned to run+ the second o4 the two knights *eside the 4ire$lace erked into 3echanical

li4e and ste$$ed swi4tl# across to *lock the wa#5



So 3uch 4or initiative+ !ose said5

Di$lo3ac#G the Doctor wondered5 Dont su$$ose #oud care to discuss the 3istake #oure 3akingG

Melissa ste$$ed u$ *eside the ta*le+ ta$$ing an elegant 4inger next to the ha$$# 3ask5 Dont 3ake

3e laugh5

The Doctor sighed5 Thought not5 %nachronistic technolog# it is then5 He $ulled the sonic screwdriver

out o4 his $ocket+ ai3ed it s(uarel# at the clockwork knight now a$$roaching the3 4ro3 the doorwa#+

and555

othing ha$$ened5

Melissa was wearing the s3iling ha$$# 3ask now5 " did o4 course re3ove the $ower source *e4ore "

returned that device to #ou5

The# were tra$$ed *etween the two advancing knights5 Swords were raised+ $oised+ read# to strike

down at the35

Dont s$ose #ou have a 3ask showing s3ug sel4Fsatis4action+ do #ouG the Doctor wondered5

"t would suit her+ !ose agreed5 She swallowed+ her throat dr# 5 Then she saw where the Doctor was

look ing over Melissas shoulder and out towards the Tha3es5 Saw the 4igure standing at the window+

des$eratel# $ushing at it 4ro3 the outside5

ot 4or her+ the Doctor was sa#ing5 "4 #ou had s3ug sel4Fsatis4action+ #ou see555 He $aused+ as 0redd ie

4inall# 3anaged to heave the window o$en5 "d like to *orrow itJ Co3e on+ !ose5

The swords crashed down+ s$litting the air where the Doctor and !ose had *een a second *e4ore5

Together+ the# lea$ed u$ on to the ta*le+ and u3$ed o44 across the roo3 $ast Melissa Heart5 !an

towards the o$en window5 Behind the3 the kn ights tick ing did not 3iss a *eat as the# *oth turned and

started round the ta*le+ 4o llowing the Doctor and !ose5

Thanks+ 0reddie+ !ose gas$ed as she hurled hersel4 a4ter the Doctor through the window5

Dont hang a*out+ the Doctor called *ack5

!ose gra**ed 0reddies hand+ and the# ran stu3*ling a4ter the Doctor5

There was an alle#wa# leading round to the 4ront o4 the houses+ and the# slowed to a walk once the#

were *ack on the road5 Even so+ 0reddie struggled to kee$ u$5 He see3ed *oth con4used and eu$horic5

What were those thingsG )eo$le in ar3ourG Wh# were the# attacking #ouG " didnt get hurt5 ot at all5

He ins$ected his hands closel# as the# walked+ 3aking !ose s3ile5 " was a4raid "d cut 3#sel4 o$ening the

window5 There were s$linters and ever#thing5

Can *e nast#+ s$linters+ the Doctor agreed5 Better not tell #our 3u3+ !ose added5 Shed go s$are5

0reddie nodded5 Shed *e u$set and worried5

She ll *e worried i4 #ou dont hurr# ho3e+ the Doctor $ointed out5 "d co3e with #ou+ *ut555

Were *eing 4ollowedG !ose said+ looking round5

)ro*a*l#5 There again+ she has the T%!D"S and she knows thats i3$ortant5 "ll *e *ack+ to coin a

$hrase5

%nd those knights are reall# clockwork 3enG



0reddies e#es widened5 ClockworkG

>eah5 Were not winding #ou u$+ !ose said5

The Doctor grinned at her+ then turned (uickl# awa#5 O4 a kind+ 0reddie5 Sel4Fwinding+ " i3agine5 The

3ove3ent is sel4F$er$etuating+ a t least to a $oint5 The# never sto$5 The# never give u$5

%nd the#re a4ter us5 =reat5

ice to *e wanted5 Wish " knew wh#5

The )ainted &ad# wants to kill #ouG 0reddie said5

Oh #es+ the Doctor realised5 Thats wh#5 He 4rowned5 o$e5

o$eG !ose checked5

o$e+ he assured her5 That doesnt hel$5 Shes looking 4or so3eone she wants to kill5 "snt even

sure the# re555 He $aused+ glancing at 0reddie5 "n &ondon5 Then she 4inds us and shes convinced+

wrongl#+ that its 3e she wants5

But she was o44 to 0reddies ste$dads an#wa#+ !ose said5

Shes ver# thorough+ the Doctor decided5 So either the target isnt here+ or else the#re ver#

thorough too5 er# clever5 er# good at it5

%t whatG

%t hiding5

Which 3eans+ the# know shes looking+ !ose realised5

The# know so3eone is5

Were going *ack to the clu*+ the Doctor said to 0reddie5 " reall# do think #ou should get ho3e5 OKG

0reddie nodded sole3nl#5 %ll right+ Doctor5 But #ou will tell 3e what ha$$ensG "4 " can hel$G

The Doc tor reached out suddenl# and shook his hand5 >ouve alread# hel$ed5 >ouve saved our lives5

He nodded in a$$reciation5 >oure a hero5

0reddi e grinned5 The gr in 4roe + then 4aded as !ose leaned over and kissed hi3 on the cheek5

Thanks+ she said5

He was ru**ing the cheek as he walked awa#+ glancing round e3*arrassed5

" onl# kissed hi3+ !ose said5

Hes a *o#+ the Doctor told her5

" thought thats what the# were 4or+ she gru3*led+ 4ollowing hi3 down the street5

!ight+ the $lan+ the Doctor announced as the# reached the "3$erial Clu*5

!ead#+ !ose a44ir3ed5 Melissa will send her clockwork cronies a4ter us as soon as its dark5

SureG

He nodded5 Shes i3$atient now she thinks shes 4ound 3e5 %nd shes thrown caution to the wind5

So we need to warn the other guests and organise so3e de4ences5

Or run awa#G

)utting o44 the inevita*le5 Here we know the territor#+ and we have 4riends5 %n#wa#+ shell trash the

$lace looking 4or us whether were here or not5



So where do we startG

The Doctor ta$$ed his chin as he thought5 >ouve seen Mr )ooter+ so #ou go and convince hi3 o4

the danger5 "ll 4ind W#se and the others5

" havent seen Mr )ooter+ !ose $rotested5 Well+ " 3ean " have seen h i35 But " haven t seen hi35 She

$aused+ a thought coalescing in her 3ind5 Hang on5 !eclusive character+ hiding awa#+ no one ever sees

hi3555 >ou dont think555G

o5 Hed hardl# hide awa# 4ro3 assassins *# ado$ting a laugha*l# sill# na3e then o$ening a clu* in

central &ondon and taking in guests5

oG

o5 Thats the da4t sort o4 dou*leF*lu44 "d do to draw out the ene3#5 Dangerous and illFadvised5 =o on5

Then 3eet 3e in the Bastille !oo3 shar$ish5

>es+ sirJ !ose sna$$ed an ironic salute and started u$ the stairs5

The Doctor turned to 4ind Crowther watching hi35 >oud *etter co3e and listen to this too+ the

Doctor to ld hi35 How 3an# guests are sta#ing here at the 3o3entG

Besides #ourselves+ Doctor+ and W#se555 Crowther counted on his 4ingers as he 4ollowed the Doctor

along the $anelled corridor5 Theres old Sir Henr#+ *ut hes con4ined to *ed5 Oliver Ma44eking has gone

to s ta# with 4riends tonight5 ow that the Hansons have 3oved on+ that ust leaves !anskill+ Coleridge+

Wensle#dale5 Several others5 %nd !e$$le and %ske+ o4 course5

%nd the sta445

"ndeed+ sir5

W#se was sitting in his usual chair5 He looked u$ as the Doctor entered+ and s3iled and nodded in

greeting5

0ind %ske and !e$$le and the other guests and see i4 the# can oin us+ the Doctor said to Crowther5

%nd an# o4 the sta44 who are a*out5

"s it i3$ortant+ DoctorG

ital5 =o on5

The Doctor walked slowl# over to oin W#se5 "ve a stor# to tell #ou+ he said5 % true stor#+ though #ou

3ight 4ind it hard to *elieve5

How intriguing5 The 3ans e#es glinted with a3use3ent and he gestured 4or the Doctor to sit down5 "ve

heard so3e $rett# ru3 stories in 3e ti3e+ " can tell #ou5 So+ whats this one all a*out then+ ehG

"ts a*out a )ainted &ad#5 "ts a*out clockwork killers5 % 3anhunt5 Mistaken identit#5 %ssassination5

The usual ingredients5 Might *e usual 4or #ou+ Doctor+ W#se said5 His e#es 3et the Doctors dee$ gae5 >es+ 3ight ver# well *e5

>ou know+ he said+ standing u$+ " was thinking it was a tad earl# 4or a *rand# ust now5 But actuall# " think

" will5 oin 3eG

"4 it 3akes #ou 4eel *etter5

Several decanters were arranged on a low ta*le *# the 4ire$lace5 W#se $oured two *randies+ then

returned to his chair+ handing the Doctor one o4 the glasses5 ow then+ he said5 Shall we *eginG



The stairs ended on a s3all landing outside a heav# wooden door5 !ose had *een worried she 3ight not

*e a*le to 4ind Mr )ooters roo3s5 But there was ust the one door+ no choice5 o $ro*le35 !ose

took a dee$ *reath + swallowed and knocked loudl# on the door5

There was no answer5 She knocked again5 Still nothing+ so she $ressed her ear to the door5 There

were sounds co3ing 4ro3 ins ide+ she was sure5 Move3ent+ a hu3 like a 4ridge5 Ticking o4 a clock5

!ose ste$$ed *ack 4ro3 the door+ suddenl# unnerved5 What i4 it wasnt a clockG What i4555G

Then the door o$ened5 Or rather+ a $art o4 the door o$ened5 "t was heav#+ dark wood+ 3ade o4

several rectangular $anels se$arated *# *eading5 One o4 the $anels at the *otto3 o4 the door swung

o$en5 &ight s$il led out on to the *are *oards o4 the landing5 Harsh+ white light5

She ste$$ed *ack5 tr#ing to see through the o$en $anel5 But she could 3ake out nothing *ut the light5

Then slowl# a sha$e 4or3ed within it5 So3ething was co3ing out5 So3ething dark+ silhouetted against

the arti4icial light5

With a laugh o4 relie4+ !ose realised it was the cat5 "t ste$$ed out on to the landing+ claws clicking

rh#th3icall# on the wooden 4loor5 She reached out to stroke it+ *ut her hand 4roe in 3idFair5

The white triangle o4 4ur under the cats head was stark against the *lack *od# as the creature looked

u$ at !ose5 "ts loengeFsha$ed e3erald e#es 4ixed on her5 %nd suddenl# the# were no longer green+ *ut

red5 Dee$+ *lood red as i4 lit 4ro3 within5

The ani3als 3outh o$ened wide in a hiss o4 anger5 Sur$rised+ !ose straightened u$ and took a ste$

*ackwards5 Her 4oot sli$$ed over the to$ ste$ and she lurched sidewa#s with a cr# ar3 out to gra* the

*anister rail and save hersel4 4ro3 4alling5 %t the sa3e 3o3ent as she al3ost 4ell+ the e#es *laed5 Two

*ea3s o4 electric red shot out 4ro3 the cats e#es+ scorching their wa# across the wall *ehind where

!ose had *een5

The cats head sna$$ed round as it reac(uired its target5 !ose $ressed hersel4 *ack against the wall+

ducking as the ra#s sc#thed out again5 S3oke dri4ted 4ro3 the scarred wall5 !ose shrieked+ throwing her

hands u$ in 4ront o4 her 4ace as the cat lea$ed5 Claws out+ it hurled itsel4 at !ose+ e#es *laing with lethal

4ur#5



"E

There was silence when the Doctor 4inished his stor#5 He had not told the3 ever#th ing+ o4 course5 'ust

enough5 Start s$outing nonsense a*out *eing an alien 4ro3 the 4uture and he 3ight lose the3

altogether5 So he stuck to the *are *ones o4 the stor# 3#sterious clockwork killers sent *# a 3asked

wo3an to assassinate the wrong 3an5 Straight4orward enough5

The sta44 who had gathered with Crowther to listen to the latter $art o4 the Doctors stor# exchanged

looks so3e worried+ so3e a3used+ so3e ust con4used5 Several guests were sitting close *#+

listening attentivel#5 %ske and !e$$le were the onl# ones the Doctor knew *# na3e5 !e$$le in

$articular was watching the Doctor closel#+ his 4ace set ex$ressionless5 %ske looked 4ro3 the Doctor to

!e$$le and *ack again was he wondering how this would a44ect his $atients 3ind+ or so3ehow

assi3ilating it into his own delusionsG

W#se held u$ his glass and swirled round the last dro$s o4 the $ale li(uid in the *otto3 o4 the *owl5 He

4inished the drink and stood u$5 =lad " had that *rand#+ he said5 Think " 3ight have another5 %n#one

elseG He raised his e#e*rows en(uiringl# at the Doctor+ then turned to include the sta44 in his invitation5

oG Then $lease dont 3ind 3e5 %ske oined hi3 at the decanters and allowed W#se to $our generous 3easures into two glasses5 He

took one *ack to !e$$le5

Crowther cleared his throat5 Excuse 3e+ Doctor+ *ut what are #ou suggesting we doG "4 " have

understood correctl#+ #ou *elieve these assassins will *e 3aking their wa# here as soon as it is dark5

=uess so+ the Doctor agreed5 So we all have to 3ake our choices5 He counted the3 o44 on his 4ingers5

Stand and 4ight5 Barricade the doors and tr# to scare the3 o445 Hide under the ta*les5 He still had a

4inger le4 t and cl icked his tongue as i4 tr#ing to re3e3*er the 4inal o$tion5 !un awa#+ he decided at last5

&et the3 ra3$age a*out and cause trou*le on their own5 Ma#*e tr# to lead the3 o44+ *ut " dou*t itd work5

" shall not run awa#+ !e$$le announced5 " think we all know who these assassins are reall# a4ter5

He stood u$+ *rand# in one hand+ the other in his acket $ocket5 %ske stood *eside hi3+ 3irroring the

stance5 " have alwa#s known that this ti3e 3ight co3e+ !e$$le went on5 That the evil 4orces that

o$$ose 3e at ho3e would hunt 3e down5

We cant *e certain its 4or #our *ene4it+ the Doctor $ointed out gentl#5

!e$$le ignored hi35 Who will stand with 3e in 3# hour o4 needG Which o4 #ou has the courage and the

honour to do *attle with the 4orces ranged against usG He li4ted the glass5 To victor#+ he declared5 %nd to



Dastaria5 !e$$le and %ske drank+ then sat down again5

W#se took a hal4Fhearted si$ at his *rand#5 >es+ well+ *e that as it 3a#+ he said+ "3 a4raid its

Wednesda#+ so " dont think " shall *e a*le to hel$5 )rior engage3ent+ #ou know5 But+ he added+ " shall

hurr# *ack in the event " can *e o4 an# assistance5

The Doctor stared at hi35 )rior engage3entG

W#se looked slightl# e3*arrassed5 &ongFstanding5 Couldnt $ossi*l# 3iss it5 Ever# Wednesda#5 He

$ulled out a watch on a chain 4ro3 his waistcoat $ocket+ $ushed his 3onocle into $lace+ and checked

the ti3e5 =ot an hour or so *e4ore " have to leave+ i4 thats an# hel$5 But ever# Wednesda# " $la#

chess with a 4riend ust along the E3*ank3ent5 ever 3iss5 Sorr#5 Be right *ack+ he added with an

a$ologetic s3ile5 But+ #ou know cant let the *lighters win+ can weG Cant let the3 set the rules and

dictate to us how we s$end our own ti3e5

This last co33ent see3ed to strike a chord with !e$$le+ who nodded gri3l# in agree3ent5

While W#se had *een talking+ several sta44 and a 4ew guests had taken the chance to sli$ awa#5

The roo3 was looking rather e3$t# now5 The Doctor counted o44 the $eo$le le4t %ske and !e$$le+

Crowther and two o4 his 3en5 The re3ain ing guests were two e lderl# 3en one o4 who3 the Doctor

was sure was so dea4 he didnt know what was *eing discussed and a 3iddleFaged gentle3an o4

enor3ous girth who was grinning with eager antici$ation5

The Doctor sighed5 ot exactl# an ar3#+ *ut he could not ex$ect $eo$le to $ut the3selves at risk 4or

hi35 Or even on the o44Fchance that the clockwork killers 3ight co3e 4or hi35 He was 3ost saddened

*# W#se+ *ut he assu3ed the 3an had si3$l# not *elieved hi35 T#$icall#+ he was too $olite to sa# so

outright+ *ut e(uall# he wasnt willing to give u$ his $recious evening ust to hu3our the Doctor5

Anderstanda*le+ *ut sad5

"ve sent the ladies awa#+ Doctor+ Crowther con4essed5 " ho$e that was correct5

The Doctor nodded5 S$ose so5 Too late now i4 it wasnt5 Though !ose is alwa#s use4ul in a He *roke

o44+ looking round5 Where is !oseG he wondered aloud5

More 4ro3 instinct than design+ !ose gra**ed the creature in 3idFair + ca tching it round the neck with

*oth hands+ twisting it awa# so that the deadl# ra#s t raced twin * lack scorches across the wall *ehind

her5

She could 4eel the thing writhing as she struggled to hold on5 "ts *od# was like a *ag o4 *ones hard

and *rit tle under the 4ur5 "t hissed and 4ought5 Claws raked at !ose as she tried to kee$ it at ar3s length5

She knew she would not *e a*le to hold on to it 4or long5 So she turned sidewa#s+ still holding the cat 4ir3l# round the neck+ s(uee ing as tigh tl# as she could

*ut with no a$$arent e44ect5 The *ea3s were lancing out+ gouging through the $aint and $anelling as

the head sna$$ed angril# round in an e44ort to get at !ose5 %n# illusion shed had that it was a real cat+

3ade o4 4lesh and *lood+ was long gone5 !ose *raced her 4eet on the stairs+ and sla33ed the things

head as hard as she could into the wall5

There was an un$leasant crunch ing sound+ and the cat gave an unearthl# wail5 She s3ashed it into

the wall again+ which cru3*led under the i3$act5 %nd again a star*urst o4 4laking $laster and $aint5



One o4 the e#es was still 4iring+ *lackening the wall as !ose once 3ore swung her ar3s5

The light in the e#e went out5 But the claws were still raking+ the 3outh hissing in the 3iddle o4 the

*attered 4ace5 !ose let go o4 the neck with one hand+ gra**ed the cats tail instead5 She *raced hersel4

again+ let go with the other hand5 Both hands now holding the cats tail+ she swung it with all her 3ight at

the wall5

With a wrenching+ tearing noise like a car stri$$ing its gears+ the cat went li3$ in her hands5 She

swung it again+ to *e sure+ to work o4 4 the adrena lin+ *ecause she d idnt #et dare to *elieve that the

thing was dead5

The cats 4ur s$lit o$en+ as i4 *adl# stitched5 Cogwheels+ gears+ levers+ s3all sha$es o4 3etal tu3*led

4ro3 inside and clattered to the 4loor5 The# *ounced down the stairs and s$un across the 4loor*oards5

!ose dro$$ed what was le4t o4 the cat5 She $icked her wa# through the scattering o4 *rass and steel

co3$onents that littered the stairs5 %s soon as she could+ she ran5

On the landing+ all was silent5 Then the $anel o4 the door to Mr )ooters roo3s o$ened once 3ore5 % cat

ste$$ed through+ surve#ing the scene in 4ront o4 it through e3erald e#es5 "t was a *lack cat+ with a white

triangle o4 4ur under its head5 it $aused+ head cocked to one side as i4 listening5

Then the $anel o4 the door swung shut+ and the cat ran down the stairs5 %4ter !ose5

Even 4ro3 outside it was a$$arent that so3ething was ha$$ening at the "3$erial Clu*5 The 4igure

watching 4ro3 the dee$ening shadows+ as the late a4ternoon turned to evening+ o*served with interest5

Shutters were closed over windows5 The 4ront door was closed and locked5 0reddie could hear the

ras$ o4 3etal on 3etal as the *olts were slid across5 He sat down on the $ave3ent+ care4u l to 3ake sure

that there was nothing shar$ or rough+ and watched with interest5 He saw the Doctor shadowed against

windows *e4ore shutters swung across5 He saw !ose looking out 4ro3 an u$stairs roo3 and scanning

the street5 0reddie shu44led care4ull# *ack into the darkness+ ho$ing she could not see hi35

He wondered what would ha$$en i4 the Doctor or !ose did see hi35 Would the# ask hi3 to co3e

inside+ awa# 4ro3 the danger+ 4ro3 the clockwork knights the# were o*viousl# ex$ectingG Or would the#

$ack hi3 o44 *ack ho3eG )ro*a*l# the# would tele$hone his ste$4ather to co3e and get hi3+ he thought5

Best not to *e seen5 Best to watch and wait and hel$ when and i4 he could5

"t was getting cold now+ and 0reddie $ulled his coat a*out hi3 and hu33ed to hi3sel4 4or the co3$an#5

"t was a tune his 4ather had taught hi35 The# had whistled it together as the# trudged through the snow

that last night+ *e4ore the# sheltered in the *arn5 % lilting+ 3elanchol# tune5 "4 there were words to it+ hedid not know the35 But he could 4eel the e3otion and the sadness that went with it5 He wi$ed his e#es with

the *ack o4 his hand+ and i3agined his 4ather standing *ehind hi3 as he ke$t watch5

The 4at 3an was called Wensle#dale5 &ike the cheese+ as the Doctor $oin ted out with a3use3ent5 He

had *een a lieutenant in the 0usiliers+ he told the Doctor and !ose5 "n #ounger da#s+ he added+

$atting his enor3ous sto3ach5

Thank #ou 4or sta#ing+ !ose said5



He laughed it o445 Couldnt let #ou down5 %n#wa#+ got nothing 3uch *etter to do+ and cant leave decent

$eo$le in the lurch5

Anlike W#se+ !ose said5 She turned to the Doctor5 How could he ust leave like thatG

The Doctor shrugged5 He said hed *e *ack5

>eah+ like Schwarenegger5

He did co3e *ack+ the Doctor $ointed out5 Ma#*e W#se will return to save the da#5

Hes a good sort reall#+ Wensle#dale assured the35 But Wednesda#s his chess night5 Ever#one

knows that5 )la#s against so3e 4ellah na3ed Ben so3ething or other5 Dunno where he lives+ *ut W#se

once told 3e #ou can see his $lace 4ro3 the E3*ank3ent 5 See3ed to 4ind that a3using+ *ut hes a

cheer4ul cove an# old how5

What a*out the catG !ose asked the Doctor once Wensle#dale had le4t the35

Dead duck5

o+ cat5 But its dead all right5 "4 clockwork ani3als can die5

Well worr# a*out it later then5

Think its so3ething to do with Melissa Heart and her clockwork knightsG

The Doctor $ursed his li$s and stared at her5

OK+ so *ig coincidence i4 it isnt+ rightG

!ight

%nd #ou reall# think shell co3e a4ter usG He ke$t the sa3e ex$ression+ so !ose sighed and went on+

OK+ another stu$id (uestion5 'ust 4orget "3 here+ like usual5

Oh5 He was 3orti4ied5 " never 4orget #ou5 How could " ever 4orget #ou+ !ose Ta#lorG

T#ler+ she corrected hi35 But the# were *oth s3iling now5

The *ack door o4 the clu* closed with a satis4#ing clunk5 %l3ost as satis4#ing as the cl ick o4 the ke#

turning in the lock5 W#se sli$$ed the ke# into his $ocket5 "t was a sha3e to have to leave and 3iss all the

4un+ assu3ing there reall# was 4un to *e had+ he thought5

He knew the Doctor well enough+ trusted hi3 enough+ to *elieve that the Doctor thought the threat he

descri*ed was ver# real5 But it was+ W#se decided+ a (uestion o4 $riorit#5 He turned awa# 4ro3 the door+ not

at all sur$rised to see that the cat had sli$$ed out with hi35 its e#es glowed green in the nearF

darkness5

W#se crouched down and tickled the cat under the chin5 "ts e#es narrowed+ *ut it did not o*ect5

!ight+ t i3e to *e going5 W#se straightened u$ and raised a hand in a 4arewell wave to the *ack o4 the"3$erial Clu*5

He hu33ed tunelessl# to hi3sel4 as he e3erged into the street5 "t looked as i4 it was going to *e a

4ine evening+ he thought5 % *it cloud#+ 3a#*e a shower later5 The inevita*le &ondon 3ist and 4og5 But

generall# 4ine5 He swung his 3onocle ha$$il# on its chain as he strode o44 towards the E3*ank3ent+

a$$arentl# without a care in the world5

Behind hi3+ the cat 4ollowed along the $ave3ent5 "ts e#es never le4t the 4igure ahead5 When W#se

$aused to listen to the hour strike+ so did the cat5 When he 3oved on+ the cat ke$t with hi35 He didnt



look *ack5 He $aused to nod a greeting to the two 4igures that $assed hi3 on the other side o4 the

$ave3ent+ and the cat $aused too5

But it did not s$are the 4igures a glance5 "t did not see3 to notice that the# were walking sti44l# and

3echanicall#+ an# 3ore than W#se did5 "t did not care that the# looked 3ore like suits o4 3edieval

ar3our than hu3an *eings5 "t did not wonder at the rh#th3ic ticking that acco3$anied the two dark

4igures 3aking their wa# towards the i3$erial Clu*5



E

The 4irst sign was a ha33ering on the 4ront door5 Luiet at 4irst knocking to *e allowed in the sound

(uickl# grew to a *attering5 The Doctor had le4t one o4 the shutters on the 4irst 4loor hal4 o$en5 The

window gave a good view o4 the 3ain door+ and !ose ran to look5

"ts the3+ she con4ir3ed5

'ust two o4 the3G the Doctor called u$ the stairs 4ro3 the 4o#er5 His voice see3ed to carr# easil#

though !ose had to shout to *e heard5

>es5

Melissa not with the3G

See3s not5

She wont *e 4ar awa#5

!ose ran *ack down to oin the grou$ gathered in the 4o#er5 So+ what nowG Should we ust+ 3a#*e+ #ou

know+ go with the3G

"4 " thought it would end there+ the Doctor said (uietl#5 But it isnt reall# us shes a4ter5 %nd when she

works that out555 He shook his head5 o+ we have to555 His voice tailed o44+ and he was staring into s$ace5 Stand and 4ightG Wensle#dale suggested5 He *randished a service revolver he had $roudl# $roduced

earlier5

% no*le senti3ent+ !e$$le agreed5 %ske+ hand as usual in his acket $ocket+ 3aking hi3 look

nonchalant and aloo4+ said nothing5

On *alance+ the Doctor said *etween thu3$s 4ro3 the door+ " think555 He $aused to allow 4or the

4irst s$lintering o4 the heav# wood5 !un awa#+ he decided5

!e$$le caught the Doctor *# the ar3 as he strode across the 4o#er5 >ou 4ear to 4ightG

" 4ear to lose5 The Doctor shook !e$$les hand o44 hi35 Those arent $eo$le5 ot 4lesh and *lood to *e

sto$$ed with *ullets or *rute 4orce5 ot hu3an like #ou and555 He reconsidered5 &ike #ou+ he decided5

Once inside the#ll kill ever# one o4 #ou to get at 3e5 ot #ou+ 3e5 =ot itG

Shouldnt we tele$hone the $olice 4or assistanceG one o4 the two old 3en asked5 His co3$anion

nodded in agree3ent5

WhatG The Doctor stared at hi3 in dis*elie45

>es+ !ose said+ wh# notG

WhatG



>ou know+ she re3inded hi3+ o44icers and cars res$ond to all calls5

Were $ast o44icers and cars res$onding now+ the Doctor insisted5 Thatll ust get 3ore $eo$le killed5

So what do we doG %ske de3anded5 Wai t here to *e ri$$ed a$art *# these 3echanical thingsG %s

i4 to e3$hasise the $oint+ a $anel o4 the door ex$loded inwards5 % 3etal 4ist thrust through+ clenching and

unclenching *e4ore withdrawing to strike again5

Clockwork+ thats the ke#+ the Doctor told hi3+ grinning at the $un5 Clockwork soldiers+ and clockwork

cats5 Technolog# that doesn t stand out+ that can t *e detected+ that isnt out o4 ti3e and $lace5

The door was s$lintering now5 The two knights were clearl# visi*le through the holes $unched in

the $anelling5 One o4 the3 reached in and scra**led 4or the *olts+ drawing the3 *ack5 The lock would

not hold 4or long5 %lread# the 3etal was screeching and straining with ever# thu3$5

Mr )ooter+ !ose said (uietl#5 Hes *ehind this+ isnt heG

The Doctor shook his head5 o such $erson5

"ve seen hi35 The trustees or whoever the# are had a 3eeting with hi35

With so3eone+ the Doctor corrected her5

What are #ou talking a*outG !e$$le de3anded5 >ou sa# #ou won t stand and 4ight + #et an# 3o3ent

now #ou will have to5

The Doctor turned 4ull circle+ taking in each and ever# one o4 the $eo$le gathered in the 4o#er5 "ts

3e the# think the# want+ he said5 He $ointed at Crowther5 >ou and #our chu3s+ *ack to the kitchens5 "4

theres no one tr#ing to get in there+ get the *ack door o$en5

>ou think there 3ight *e 3ore o4 the3G !ose said5

Or Miss Melissa5 The# dont want us ust walking out the *ack as the# co3e in the 4ront5 Thatd *e a

*it da4t5 He turned *ack to Crowther5 When and i4 its all clear+ leg it5 "4 were not a4ter #ou in hal4 an

hour then were not gonna *e5

Crowther nodded5 He was looking $ale+ *ut otherwise cal3 and in control5 The two servants with

hi3 were less co3$osed5 One o4 the3+ he couldnt have *een 3uch older than !ose+ looked close to

tears5

The Doctor turned next to Wensle#da le and the two elderl# 3en5 >ou three+ *ack to the Bastille

!oo35 Onl# one wa# in+ so #ou can de4end #ourselves *etter in there5 &ets ho$e #ou dont have to5

Wensle#dale look a4ter the35

SirJ Wensle#dale sna$$ed i3$ortantl#5

%nd where are we goingG !e$$le asked5 He had to shout to *e heard a*ove the 4inal s$lintering o4 the

door as the two knights 4orced their wa# through the last o4 the woodwork5 The lock 4ell to the 4loor+shattered5

With 3e+ the Doctor #elled *ack5 He was running now+ holding !oses hand and leading %ske and

!e$$le u$ the stairs5 To see a 3an a*out a cat5

The two dark 4igures ste$$ed through the shattered re3ains o4 the 4ront door o4 the i3$erial Clu* and

disa$$eared 4ro3 sight5 0reddie was standing+ watching5 He wondered i4 he ought to 4ollow5 )erha$s he

could hel$ the Doctor and !ose esca$e a second ti3e5 Or 3a#*e he should wait in case the# ca3e out5



% di44icult decision5

The voice was (uiet+ close to his ear5 Startled+ 0reddie turned5

The dark 3ask was close to his 4ace5 Matt *lack+ with silver teardro$s under the e#es5 The 3outh was a

s3iling slash o4 scarlet5 0reddie *raced hi3sel4 to tr# to get awa#5 But Melissa Hearts hand closed tightl#

on his shoulder+ holding hi3 still5

He wont run+ she said gentl#5 He wont tr# to esca$e5 "t isnt in his nature5 He will stand and 4ight5

She shook her head+ the silvering on the 3ask catching the light and 4lickering5 "4 #ou onl# knew what he

is ca$a*le o4+ how 3an# he has killed+ #ou wouldnt *e so keen to hel$ hi35

She $ushed 0reddie ahead o4 her across the street5 Co3e with 3e+ she said 5 Witness the execution

o4 a 3ass 3urderer5

The# are searching each 4loor+ so we have so3e ti3e+ %ske re$orted5 One o4 the3 sta#s on the stairs

to $revent our esca$e+ the other checks each roo35 Si3$le+ *ut e44ective5

Driving us to this to$ 4loor+ !e$$le said5

Anless we sneak out down the 4ire esca$e+ !ose $ointed out5 Ma#*e the# havent thought o4 that5

" ex$ect the# have5 The Doctor was l#ing on the 4loor in 4ront o4 the door to Mr )ooters roo3s5 He had

the $anel o4 the door o$en+ the one where !ose had seen the cat e3erge5 He had $eered into the

darkness *e#ond+ and now his ar3 was thrust inside and he was 4eeling round5 >eah+ the#ve got us

ust where she wants us5 He $ulled out his ar3 and stood u$5

%n#thingG !ose asked5

He shook his head5 Metal *ox5 &ike an airlock5 The cat enters the *ox+ *ox closes5 )anel in door

o$ens+ cat cree$s out5

%n airlockG !e$$le said5

Oh+ " dou*t theres a di44erent at3os$here *ehind there5 " think its to sto$ so3ething else esca$ing

with the cat5

Mr )ooterG

The Doctor s3iled at !ose5 "n a wa#5 He $ulled the sonic screwdriver out o4 his $ocket and ai3ed it at

the lock on the door5 This should555 He sto$$ed5 othing was ha$$ening5 The screwdriver was silent+

not working5 The Doctor 4rowned and *anged it into his $al3 several ti3es *e4ore tr#ing again5

0lat *atter#+ re3e3*erG !ose said5

o *atter# at all+ the Doctor agreed5 She took it out5

WhoG %ske wanted to know5 Melissa Heart+ !ose told hi35 Shes no**led it5 So what nowG

The Doctor sni44ed5 So3ething less su*tle+ he decided5 %nd shoulderFcharged the door5

"t took the three o4 the3 the Doctor+ !e$$le and %ske several atte3$ts+ encouraged *# !ose+ who

had to *e dissuaded 4ro3 oining in+ *e4ore the door 4inall# gave wa#5 "t swung o$en shar$ l#+ so the

three o4 the3 tu3*led and s$rawled into the roo35 The# $icked the3selves u$ and looked round in

astonish3ent5

!ose 4ollowed the3 in5 She too was staring round in sur$rise5 What is all thisG



The large roo3 *ehind the door was $anelled+ like so 3an# others in the *uilding5 But the walls

were clad not in $olished wood+ *ut in dull gre# 3etal5 Even the 4loor and the ceiling were coated with it+ like

a huge 3etal *ox5 There was no 4urni ture+ and do3inating the roo3 was a dark 3etal control console5

&ights 4lickered and $ulsed+ $ower hu33ed+ dials whirred+ 3eters registered various readings5 The

4ront o4 the console utted out+ like a $iano+ towards the door5 But there were no o*vious in$ut

3echanis3s5 % *ank o4 screens a*ove the extended section gave di44erent views that !ose recognised

as roo3s in the *uilding5

%s she watched+ the $ictures changed+ switching 4ro3 one roo3 to another in ra$id succession like

the control roo3 o4 the CCT s#ste3 at work in the sho$+ she thought5 One o4 the screens $aused on a

$icture o4 the Bastille !oo35 The ca3era oo3ed in on Wensle#dale and the two old 3en as the#

3anoeuvred 4urniture to 3ake a *arricade in 4ront o4 the door5 "t lingered on Wensle#dale+ then 4ocused in

closeFu$ on the revolver he was holding5

The whole asse3*l# was o4 a dark $lasticFlike 3aterial5 %$art 4ro3 the screens and various controls

and readFouts+ the onl# other colour was a triangle o4 white against the *lack under the extended 4ront

section5 "t re3inded !ose o4 so3ething+ *ut she could not think what5

Antil she saw the cats5

On one side o4 the console was what looked vaguel# like a wine rack5 Exce$t that inside 3ost o4 the

$igeonholes was l#ing the dark+ 4urr# *od# o4 a cat5 !ose counted over a doen5 Each identical a

*lack cat with a white triangle o4 4ur under the chin5 'ust like the console5

The lead shields the e3issions+ the Doctor said+ ta$$ing one o4 the walls5 Melissa Heart would

have detected it i33ediatel# otherwise5 Sa3e reason 4or the airlock5

But what is itG !ose said again5 Whats it 4orG

"t is 3onitoring events in the *uilding+ %ske said (uietl#+ nodding at the screens5

>ou knew it was hereG !ose asked5

He shook his head5 The $ur$ose see3s evident5

So3e direct 4eeds+ the Doctor said+ exa3ining the console5 Shielded+ o4 course5 %udio and visual

links5 Then 4or s$eci4ic tasks+ or to 3onitor outside the *uilding+ it uses the cats5

Which is wh# the#re clockwork+ !ose realised5

Cant *e detected+ the Doctor agreed5 o $ower source+ nothing anachron istic in clockwork5 'ust the

wa# that its a$$lied5

%nd the $s#choFkiller laserF*ea3 e#esG

>ou can get clockwork radios+ the Doctor $ointed out5 Clockwork torches where #ou s(ueee ahandle5 Sa3e $rinci$le5 'ust shining a light5

Sorr#+ !ose said to !e$$le and %ske5 This is $ro*a*l# a *it *e#ond #ou two5 She grinned to show it

was childs $la# to her5

This is not $owered *# clockwork+ !e$$le said+ nodding at the console5

But " can hear it ticking+ !ose said5 She was aware o4 the sound+ *ut couldnt think when she had 4irst

started to hear it5 When the# ca3e into the roo3+ she su$$osed5

There 3a# *e so3e clockwork co3$onents5 But nuclear e3ission cells+ 3ore like+ the Doctor agreed5



Theres a *acku$ su$$l# ca*le round here5 =ive us a hand5

0ive 3inutes later the# were read#5 !ose was crouched *eside the console+ %ske and !e$$le *ehind

her5 On the other side o4 the 3achine the Doctor held a heav#+ wellFinsulated ca*le that he had

detached 4ro3 the *ack o4 the controls5 The end o4 it s$at and hissed like a snake that had eaten a

s$arkler5

Shouldnt *e long+ the Doctor told the3 with a grin5 He wiggled the ca*le ha$$il#+ showering s$arks

across the dull 3etal 4loor5

!ose heard the 4ootste$s 4irst5 The rh#th3ic *eat o4 the two knights as the# 3ade their wa# u$ the

stairs5 %s the# a$$roached it was i3$ossi*le to tell which sounds were their internal 3echanis3s and

which the thu3$ o4 their 3etal 4eet on the wooden stairs5 Together the# stood 4ra3ed in the s$lintered

doorwa# *lank and un4orgiving 4igures5 The 3etal o4 their *odies was as dull and dark as the walls o4 the

roo35

The voice could have co3e 4ro3 either o4 the knights5 "t was i3$ossi*le to tell+ as the# gave no

3ove3ent+ no indication5 The words were rh#th3ic+ unin4 lected and 3echanical5 !as$ing+ 3etallic+

une3otional5

DocFtor #ou will surrFenFder5

!ose could i3agine an internal $endulu3 swinging inside the things chest+ a s#lla*le 4or each

swee$ o4 the weight5 Each *eat alternatel# high then low tickFtocks o4 s$eech5

=ive u$ now5

One o4 the knights+ $erha$s the one that had s$oken+ ste$$ed into the roo35 "t raised its ar3s

erkil#+ and started towards the Doctor + gauntlet 4 ingers c lutching as the# reached 4or his throat5

The Doctor stood his ground5 He waited until the knight was al3ost on hi3+ then a**ed out with the

ca*le5 He sta**ed it into the 4igures outstretched hand and s$arks ex$loded 4ro3 the 3etal $al35 The

knight staggered *ack+ *lue lightning 4lashing and echoing round its whole *od#5 "t stood a*solutel# still+

*ut !ose could still hear the rh#th3ic ticking 4ro3 inside5

"d *e care4ul+ the Doctor said5 That was ust a 4ree taster5 % longer *last 3ight seriousl# da3age #our

health5

&ike s3oking+ !ose added5 We can arrange that too5 She returned the Doctors grin5 %t last it

see3ed like the# had the u$$er hand5

ow+ "ve a 4ew (uestions+ the Doctor went on+ dangling the ca*le so that s$arks dr i$$ed to the 4loor

*es ide his 4eet 5 &uckil#+ the# wont need long answers5 "n 4act 3ulti$le choice is $ro*a*l# easiest5 Starter

4or ten555 He sucked in a dee$ *reath as he considered5 &ets kee$ it si3$le5 Wheres Melissa HeartG "s she+PaQ+ inside the *uilding or+ P*Q+ outside the *uildingG

The knights did not re$l#5 The Doctor waited+ ta$$ed his 4oot with 3ock i3$atience5 Ding+ he said at

last5 But thanks 4or $la#ing5 Ti3e 4or another shock5

How ver# true5 The voice ca3e 4ro3 *ehind the knights5 % voice !ose recognised at once5 Melissa

ste$$ed $ast the knight at the door and into the roo35 But she was not alone5 She was $ushing a

s3all+ 4rightened 4igure in 4ront o4 her5 0reddies e#es were wide and scared+ his cheeks da3$ 4ro3 his

tears5



"3 sorr#+ he said in a s3all voice5

Melissa thrust 0reddie at the knight *# the door5 "t gra**ed hi3 *# the wrist and held hi3 tight5

What nowG %ske said+ ste$$ing out 4ro3 *ehind !ose5

!e$$le ste$$ed out with hi35 >ou would use children to 4ight 3enG So 3uch 4or honour5

Honour died long ago in this war+ Melissa said5 Her *lack 3ask was s3iling+ *ut her voice was

shaking with anger5 ow+ Doctor+ $ut down that ca*le *e4ore so3eone gets hurt5 " dont need to o44er

#ou a 3ulti$le choice o4 victi3s+ do "G

%s Melissa s$oke+ the knight $ulled 0reddie closer+ still holding his wrist5 "ts other 3etal hand closed

sti44l# on the *o#s neck5



E&EBE

0reddies e#es were wide as he stared *eseechingl# at !ose5 She could 4eel her own e#es watering as

the 3etal hand cla3$ed tighter round the *o#s throat5

&et hi3 go+ she said5

DoctorG Melissa Heart $ro3$ted5

Kee$ hold o4 the ca*le+ %ske hissed5 We have the advantage5

!ose couldnt *elieve he would ga3*le with the *o#s li4e5 What i4 she 3eans itG she de3anded5

%ske gave a snort o4 derision5 She cant kill hi3 twice5 Once hes dead shes got nothing to *argain

with5

" cant risk it+ the Doctor said+ his voice (uiet *ut deter3ined5

!e$$le $ushed in 4ront o4 %ske+ gesturing 4or the 3an to ste$ *ack5 What sort o4 wo3an uses

children as hostagesG he de3anded5 He turned to %ske5 The Doctor is right5 We cannot risk a single

innocent li4e5 &a# down the ca*le+ Doctor5 We shall take the conse(uences5

But+ sire what i4 she still kills the *o#G %nd usG

!e$$le shrugged+ his 4ace as ex$ressionless as Melissas 3ask5 That will *e on her conscience+ not3ine5 "4 she can live with her actions+ then let her5 But " could not live with 3ine i4 we dont surrender5

Luite right+ the Doctor said5 !ose heaved a sigh o4 relie4 as he dro$$ed the ca*le to the 4loor+ kicking it

aside so it was out o4 reach5 ow+ let the *o# go *e4ore " have to 3ake #ou5

0or a 3o3ent+ !ose thought Melissa was going to have hi3 killed an#wa#5 But then she gave a

shake o4 her head+ and the knight released 0reddie5 The *o# stu3*led 4orward+ gas$ing+ ru**ing his

throat5 !ose ran to hel$ hi35

"3 touched+ Melissa said+ watching5

That has two 3eanings+ !ose sna$$ed5 One o4 the3s true enough5

"nsult 3e all #ou like+ girl+ Melissa said in her hone#ed voice5 ow that " have 4ound this *utcher+

nothing can da3$en 3# $leasure5

>ou dont sound that $leased+ the Doctor retorted5 Sure its reall# 3e #ou wantG

Melissa took a ste$ towards hi35 The knights now 4lanked her+ standing i33o*ile and silent save 4or

the staccato ticking o4 their internal 3echanis3s5 Oh+ " a3 sure now5 " did think #ou were sheltering with

Sir =eorge when " heard o4 this desire to reinstate a de$osed ruler5 Well+ #ou can i3agine what " thought5

o$e+ wrong+ the Doctor told her5



She ignored hi35 " soon 4ound that Sir =eorges sche3e is the 3ad ho$e o4 a drea3er5 He is a4ter all

3erel# hu3an+ and his $rince is rather 3ore co33on$lace and earthl# than the one " was seeking5 %

*o#+ she said with audi*le conte3$t5 !ose $ulled 0reddie into a hug+ holding hi3 close and sa4e5

ot the 3urderer " wanted5 Melissa $ointed at the Doctor5 >ou5

Wrong again5 &ast chance5

Then on the wa# to the dinner+ " 4inall# detected the $ower e3issions+ as #ou know5 0ro3 #our

(uaint sonic device+ and 4ro3 #our strange *lue *ox5 Then " was al3ost sure5 But there was still a

chance that #ou were not the one " was a4ter5 " had to *e a*solutel# sure+ #ou see5

Oh #eah5 Cant have #ou killing innocent $eo$le *# 3istake5 The Doctors 4ace was dark with anger5

&ike that $oor 3aid5

An4ortunate5 The 3ask turned awa# slightl#+ and she sounded suddenl# sad5 M# 4riends here dont

know their own strength5 We didnt 3ean to kill her+ or the other one5 Anlike #ou+ she went on+

suddenl# angr# again5 Think o4 the thousands #ou have killed with #our executions+ #our genocidal

cleansing+ #our disa$$earances and soFcalled ustice5

The Doctor shook his head again5 Ding+ he $ronounced5 Wrong again5 "4 thats all555

%llG she screa3ed at hi35 >ou 3urder tens o4 thousands+ and #ou ask i4 that is allG

The Doctors re$l# was level and (uiet+ *ut edged with anger5 >ouve got the wrong 3an5

Have "G she shot *ack5 She reached into her sleeve and $ulled out a long+ sli3 tu*e5 The cigarette

holder that !ose had seen her use in the galler# downstairs5 Onl# now there was no cigaret te *urning

in it+ and she was $ointing it straight at the Doctor5 But when she 4ired+ she was ai3ing at a di44erent

target5

The ti$ o4 the tu*e glowed a sudden red5 Then a *olt o4 4ire shot out+ *lasting into the 4ront o4 the

control console5 Screens ex$loded5 !ose and 0reddie dived to the 4loor as glass showered across the

roo35 0reddie shr ieked with 4right+ clutching at !ose5 =lassJ he wailed in 4ear5 Dont let it cut 3eJ

%ske and !e$$le *oth 4lung the3selves sidewa#s5 onl# the Doctor did not 3ove5 The de*ris 4lew

$ast hi3 as the 3ain $art o4 the console ex$loded+ *ut he see3ed not to notice5 % $iece o4 glass

whi$$ed across his acket sleeve+ ri$$ing a hole5 He ignored it5

Missed+ the Doctor said5

"t 3ight *e #our ailer+ Melissa re$lied as the noise o4 the ex$losion died awa#5 " t 3ight *e $rogra33ed

to $revent #our ever leaving this *ackward $lanet+ *ut " know that it is also $rogra33ed to de4end #ou5

To 3ake sure the order o4 that u3$edFu$ court is o*e#ed and #our sa4e exile is not violated5

So #ou destro# a sentient *eingG Oh+ 3achine intelligence+ " know5 ot reall# the sa3e thing5 TheDoctor turned and $atted the scarred side o4 the console5 Even so+ " *et that hurt5 %nd all 4or nothing5 "3

not the 3an #ou take 3e 4or5 Though "ll *e interested to 4ind out who is5 To s3oke the3 out5

Melissa laughed+ though there was no hu3our or o# in the sound5 >ou stand here in 4ront o4 an %l

ter3inal adorned with the e3*le3 o4 Katuria and #ou dare to tell 3e that #ou are not Shade assil#G

He isnt5 The voice was (uiet+ *ut 4ir35 !e$$le ste$$ed in 4ront o4 !ose and 0reddie and looked stra ight

at Melissa Heart5 " a3 Shade assil#+ he said5

The Doctor *linked5 %re #ouG



O4 course he isnt5 "t was %ske who s$oke5 He shouldered !e$$le aside5 This 3an is 3# $atient5

He has delusions5 He *elieves hi3sel4 to *e a de$osed ruler+ and now #ouve given hi3 a na3e and a

cause5

What are #ou talking a*outG !e$$le de3anded angril#5 >ou know who " a35

Melissa looked 4ro3 one to the other+ her 4ace inscruta*le *ehind the 3ask5 But the deadl# tu*e she

was holding still $ointed unerringl# at the Doctor5

The#re *oth 3ad+ !ose assured her5 But not as 3ad as #ou are i4 #ou think the Doctors so3e sor t

o4 de$osed dictator5

"t was the last action o4 the i3$erial Court+ Melissa said5 The# exiled assil# *e4ore the revolutionaries

took control5 The# should have executed hi35 There was *itterness in her voice5 But instead the# sent hi3

to live a care4ree li4e on a $ri3itive $lanet+ with another Katurian as *oth ailer and *od#guard5

To $rotec t hi3 and to ensure he didnt esca$e 4ro3 exileG the Doctor said5

%s #ou know 4ull well5 The records were destro#ed+ so we didnt know what $lanet5 We didnt know the

ailer was actuall# an %"

" a3 Shade assil#+ !e$$le said again5 Cant #ou see thatG How can #ou not see thatG He was

standing erect+ one hand on his chest Shade assil#+ "3$erial )rater o4 Katuria5 Master o4 the Seven

Heavens5 )rotector o4 the 0leet ictorious5 High =eneral o4 >elkan and S$eaker o4 the Masses5

Slowl#+ Melissa swung towards !e$$le5 Slowl# she 3oved her wea$on to cover hi35

%ske ste$$ed 4orward+ in 4ront o4 !e$$le5 He held out one hand+ a gesture o4 su$$lication5 The other

hand was thrust into his acket $ocket5 >ou see how insane he isG " dont know where he has $icked

that u$ 4ro3+ *ut hes a har3less555 He got no 4urther5 With a *lur o4 3ove3ent+ %ske $ulled his hand

4ro3 his acket $ocket5 !ose could see that it was holding a tu*e+ si3ilar to the one Mel issa had5 The

end was alread# glowing red+ and %skes 4ace had hardened to granite5

Melissa 4roe5 !ose was sure she could see 4ear in the e#es *ehind the 3ask5 'ust 4or a second5 %ll the

ti3e it took 4or the nearer o4 the two knights to turn slightl# and raise its ar35

% 4lash o4 light5 ot a ra#+ !ose realised+ *ut the light re4lecting o44 $olished 3etal5 % *lade+ s$inning at

lightning s$eed across the roo35 "t sla33ed into %skes throat+ knocking hi3 sidewa#s and

*ackwards5 The tu*e in his hand s$at 4ire across the roo3+ *ut the shot went wide+ 3erel# scarring

the dark+ 3etal wall5 %ske crashed to the 4loor+ the *lade utting 4ro3 his neck+ *lood welling u$ 4ro3 the

wound5

When he s$oke+ his voice was a $ain4ul gas$5 His last words were: Hes l#ing5 " a3 Shade assil#5

There was silence 4or al3ost a 3inute5 !e$$le knelt *eside his 4riend+ checking 4or a $ulse5 Heshook his head5 The Doctor stared at Melissa Heart5 !ose hugged 0reddie to her+ ho$ing he had not

seen what had ha$$ened+ *ut knowing 4ull well that he had5

Well+ the Doctor said eventuall#5 =uess thats settled then5 "4 #oull return 3# *lue *ox well *e on our

wa#5

Melissa still held her wea$on+ still had it $ointing at the Doctor5 " took the $recaution o4 ar3ing the

Mechanicals a4ter #our esca$e+ she said5 )lease do not ex$ect 3e to 3ake an# 3ore 3istakes5

Oh+ look+ he ust told #ou it was hi3+ !ose *lurted5 Death*ed con4ession5 &iterall#5 Sorr#+ she added



as !e$$le looked over at her5

Sill# (uestion+ the Doctor said+ *ut dont #ou know what this Shade $erson looks likeG

" can answer #our (uestion+ Doctor+ !e$$le said wearil#5 He lowered %skes head gentl# to the 4loor and

stood u$5 He stared levell# at Melissa and the two Mechanicals+ then turned to the Doctor5 We Katurians

are hu3anoid+ *ut not hu3an5 % Katurian here on Earth would *e o*vious+ and the sentence o4 the court

was that " should *e exiled and 4orgotten5 Made insigni4icant5 Dishonoured5 M# a$$earance was changed+

so that " would 4it in5

Know the 4eeling+ the Doctor said (uietl#5 =o on5

%ske too was altered5 He was to *e 3# ailer and *od#guard+ as the wo3an sa#s5 He *eca3e555 He

looked down at the 4igure on the 4loor5 He *eca3e a 4riend+ though he rarel# let 3e out o4 his sight5 Oh+ "

could have 3# 4reedo3 while in exile+ $rovided " never tried to esca$e5 %n# ex$licit atte3$t and he would

kill 3e5 That was his task5 His dut#5

So wh# ad3it to *eing an exiled rulerG !ose wanted to know5 "4 she was a4ter #ouG

How else should " *ehaveG !e$$le de3anded5 " a3 rightl# $roud o4 3# heritage and 3#

achieve3ents5 %ske $ersuaded 3e to change the na3e o4 the e3$ire " ruled+ to scale it *ack so as not

to draw attention+ either 4ro3 the hu3ans or 4ro3 Katurian revolutionaries5

%nd #ou didG !ose said5

With his hand alwa#s on his *laster+ how could " re4useG But " will never hide what " trul# a35

He didnt know we were looking 4or hi3+ Melissa said+ staring through the 3ask at !e$$le5

Sure its hi3 thenG the Doctor said5 ot 3eG

She ignored hi35 " could not *e certain what $lanet #ou had *een exiled to or what #ou looked like5

So+ !ose interru$ted+ luck# guess or whatG

" have 4riends+ $eo$le in the hierarch# who have su44ered as " have and who still long to see assil#

*rought to $ro$er ustice5

'usticeG the Doctor echoed5 Oh #ou 3ean+ executed5 Exile too good 4or hi3+ is itG

0ar too good5 The hatred and conte3$t all *ut dri$$ed 4ro3 her words5 " was (uite $re$ared to

search this world and a doen others until " 4ound this *utcher5

" *rought honour to Katuria+ !e$$le snarled5 " *uilt us an e3$ire+ and #ou 4ritter it awa#5 >es+ there was

a cost5 But it is as nothing to the su44ering and death #our soFcalled revolution will *ring with it5

Melissa $ointed the tu*ular wea$on at !e$$le5 Her hand was shaking+ and so was her voice5 "

4ashioned 3# tea3 so the# would 4it in with the civilisation we searched5 %nd " underwent genetic

3odi4ication 3#sel4+ ust as #ou did+ so as to 4it in5 >ou dont+ the Doctor said5 Do #ouG Oh+ clockwork knights+ OK nothing too out o4 the ordinar#

there5 Antil the# start wandering a*out killing $eo$le o4 course5 But a )ainted &ad#G Bound to attract

attention5

"t was not deli*erate+ she re$lied sadl#5 There was555 a $ro*le35

>our o$eration went wrongG !e$$le wondered5 We destro#ed all records o4 the exile destination and

the o$erations we needed to 4it in5

The o$eration went $er4ectl#5 The scientists o4 the revolution are ever# *it as ta lented as #our hackers



and cutters+ and " had hel$ 4ro3 the *est o4 the3+ Melissa insisted5 Dont 4latter #oursel4 that

*ecause #ou are sa4e 4ro3 the weakFwilled leaders who have re$laced #ou that #ou can esca$e those o4

us who know what #ou are ca$a*le o45

Then wh# hide #our 4aceG !ose asked5 "4 it is so $er4ect5 She re3e3*ered the ru3our that Melissa was

too *eauti4ul to look at5 Could it *e rightG

She got her answer5 Melissa reached u$ with her 4ree hand and took hold o4 the *lack and silver

3ask5 "t was a 4ailure o4 intelligence+ o4 data5 ot o4 technolog# or talent5 " took in4or3at ion 4ro3

whatever sources " could *eg or *u#5 " had to assu3e it was accurate+ to take ever#thing on trust5

She $ulled awa# the 3ask and turned directl# to !ose5

0reddie screa3ed+ his head sna$$ing round as he looked awa#+ e#es tight shut5 !ose heard the

Doctors shar$ intake o4 *reath5 !e$$le took a ste$ *ackwards5 !ose stared *ack at Melissa Heart+ una*le

to take her e#es o44 the wreckage o4 a 4ace5 Ana*le to look awa# 4ro3 the grotes(ue 4eatures+ the

$arod# o4 hu3anit#5 She could 4eel her heart thu3$ing in her chest+ kee$ing ti3e with the clicking o4 the

MechanicalsI the *lood rushing in her ears as Melissa Heart stared *ack at her through e#es that now

see3ed too hu3an5

This is how we thought #ou would look+ she said5



WE&BE

He could hear nothing5 Crowther had sent Bena3in awa#+ and told To3 to look a4ter hi35 The $oor lad

was al3ost 4ainting with 4ear5 o good to an#one5 The chie4 steward had *een crouching in the darkened

kitchen alone since then+ straining to 3ake out what was ha$$ening5

There had *een the initial sounds o4 the *reakFin5 He thought he could hear heav# 3etal 4eet on the

stairs+ the 3easured tread o4 an inhu3an 3arch5 But it 3ight have *een his own heart thu3$ing in his

chest5 Or the kitchen clock ticking awa# the seconds that see3ed like 3inutes and the 3inutes that

see3ed like hours5

The longer he waited in the nearFdarkness+ the 3ore he was aware that this wasnt right5 He was in

charge o4 the "3$erial Clu*5 Whatever was ha$$ening here was his res$onsi*ilit#5 He was gra te4ul that

the Doctor had taken control+ and he ho$ed and $ra#ed that W#se would soon return5 He a$$reciated

W#ses cal3 #et authoritative 3anner+ the wa# the 3an was willing to hel$ and saw nothing as *eneath

hi35 He even s$ared the ti3e to chat to Crowther a*out the weather or the latest cricket results5

Des$ite his o*session with chess+ he was a real gentle3an+ was W#se5 %nd Crowther i3agined that the

Doctor would *e ver# si3ilar i4 he got to know hi35 He could not would not a*andon the 3an to his 4ate5

"n the Bastille !oo3+ Wensle#dale stood in 4ront o4 a $ile o4 4urniture5 Most o4 it he had 3oved hi3sel4+

with the two elderl# 3en !anskill and Coleridge o44ering advice and encourage3ent *ut little $h#sical

hel$5 Wensle#dale had sat the old 3en in large ar3chairs 4acing awa# 4ro3 the door at the *ack o4 the

roo35 "4 an#one+ or an#thing+ did get through the *arricade then there was a chance the# wouldnt

notice the ar3chairs turned to the wall and !anskill and Coleridge 3ight *e sa4e5 "t was a 4aint ho$e+

*ut a ho$e nonetheless5

Wensle#dale had no illusions a*out his own a*ilit# to hide5 He had no intention o4 tr#ing to esca$e

whatever 4ate ca3e his wa#5 He stood 4acing the *arricade+ holding his service revolver+ re3e3*ering

several si3ilar 3o3ents in his ar3# career5 He had survived the3 all+ *ut he was realistic a*out his

chances5 He had seen 3an# good 3en+ good 4riends+ die5 )erha$s 4ate had *een saving hi3 4or now5 "4

that was the case+ then he 4elt no 4ear+ no anxiet#+ no tre$idation5 'ust the ho$e that he would ac(uit

hi3sel4 with as 3uch honour and courage as his 4allen co3rades had shown5 So+ i4 the creatures+ which

the Doctor had descri*ed as like 3anFsha$ed tanks+ *roke into the roo3+ then Wensle#dales ho$e was to



do the3 as 3uch da3age as he could and $rotect the old 3en hiding in their chairs5 The# were in his care5

But the longer he stood *# the *arricade+ listening 4or an# sign o4 incursion+ the 3ore he resented the

$assive a$$roach to the $ro*le35 There 3ust *e so3e wa# to take the 4ight to the ene3# without

endangering his charges5 %s he $ondered this+ as he considered the o$tions+ he heard so3ething5

"t sounded like a de4erential cough 4ro3 the other side o4 the *arricade5 % 4aceless 3echanical killer with

a coughG "t see3ed unlikel#5 Who goes thereG Wensle#dale *arked5

Crowther+ sir+ ca3e the re$l#5 " wonder i4 #ou could s$are 3e a 3inute5 " have an idea which "

would like to discuss with #ou5 "4 now is convenient5

Wensle#dale $ushed the revolver into the waist*and o4 his trousers+ wincing as the 3etal dug into

his sto3ach5 He ins$ected the *arricade 4or a 3o3ent+ then heaved at a large chair5 "t ca3e 4ree+ and

another chair+ several cushions and an occasiona l ta*le tu3*led a4 ter it and clattered to the 4loor5

Wensle#dale $eered through the resulting hole+ to 4ind Crowther looking *ack at hi35 The head steward

looked $ale and drawn+ a 3irror+ Wensle#dale thought+ o4 his own ex$ression5

ConvenientG Wensle#dale said5 Well+ " dont have an#thing else on at the 3o3ent5 Whats #our

ideaG

0reddie had *een tr#ing to 4ollow what the grownFu$s were talking a*out5 But the 3etal 3en scared

hi3+ and the sight o4 the )ainted &ad#s 4ace was so3ething he knew would haunt his alread#

crowded night3ares5 He clung to !ose+ and was grate4ul 4or the war3th as she hugged hi3 *ack5 He

tried not to look at the *od# o4 the 3an at the side o4 the roo35 %t the *lood555

There was 3ove3ent+ *eh ind the 3etal 3en5 0reddie caught it in the corner o4 his e#e a *rie4 *lur+

(uickl# gone5 He stared at the s$ace where it had *een+ on the landing outside the *roken door 5

So3ething on the stairs $erha$s5 % shadow5

The second ti3e+ he saw it clearl#5 % 4ace cautiousl# rising u$5 So3eone was l#ing on the stairs+ looking

into the roo3+ like a soldier looking over the to$ o4 a trench5 0reddie didnt know who it was the round+

4riendl# 4ace o4 a 3an with slickedF*ack dark ha ir5 The 4ace was red+ as i4 cli3*ing the stairs had *een

an e44ort5

The 3an saw 0reddie looking at hi3+ and a hand a$$eared thu3*sFu$5 Then hand and 4ace di$$ed

down out o4 sight again5

0reddi e thought a*out this5 Wha t did the thu3*sFu$ 3eanG That hel$ was on the wa#G That

ever#thing would *e all rightG He 4ound !oses hand and s(ueeed it+ ho$ing she 3ight understand that

he was telling her to *e read#+ though he was not sure what 4or5 Ho$ing she 3ight have seen the 4igureon the stairs and the thu3*sFu$5 But she was watching the other wo3an 3ask thank4ull# *ack in $lace

and she *arel# glanced at 0reddie5

He dug her in the sto3ach with his el*ow+ and !ose grunted in anno#ance and $ain5 She glared at

0reddie5 0reddie nodded at the stairs+ as *rie4 and su*tle a 3ove3ent as he could 3anage and still

conve# the 3essage5 She looked where he gestured5 Saw nothing5 Wrinkled her e#e*rows and

4orehead into a whatG 0reddie nodded again5 She looked *ack5

%nd this ti3e+ she did see5 0reddie could tell 4ro3 the wa# she sti 44ened 5 She saw+ as he d id+ the two



3en cree$ ing u$ the stairs5 One o4 the3 was tall and s3art in a dark suit5 The othe r+ the 3an who had

giv en the thu3*sFu$ + was so incredi*l# 4at that 0reddie al3ost laughed5 He wondered how the 3an

had 3anaged to hide on the stairs+ he was so *ig5 But his 4ace was set in a deter3ined ex$ression+

and he was holding a gun5

The Doctor and !e$$le had seen the 3en too5 0reddie could tell *# the wa# their e#es 3oved5 B#

the wa# the# looked awa# looked an#where exce$t at the 3en on the landing5 The 3en now

ste$$ing into the roo35

One o4 the 3etal 4igures swung round+ so3ehow alerted to the threat 4ro3 *ehind the35 % second

later+ the other 3etal 3an turned as well5 %s soon as it 3oved+ the 4at 3an lea$ed 4orward+ sur$risingl#

(uickl#5 He a33ed the gun into the )ainted &ad#s neck5 The 3etal 4igures 4roe5

Well done+ Wensle#dale+ the Doctor said5

The 4at 3an s3iled5 M# $leasure+ Doctor5 ow Mr Crowther will lead #ou and #our 4riends to sa4et#

while " kee$ these $eo$le here5

>ou wont esca$e+ Melissa said5 Her voice sounded strained5

Wensle#dale laughed5 Oh+ " know that5 So #oud *est *e care4ul+ #ou and #our chu3s here5

What do #ou 3eanG !ose de3anded5 She was $ushing 0reddie towards the door where Crowther

was waiting5 The 3etal 3en swung round to watch+ *ut 3ade no atte3$t to sto$ the35 >oure co3ing

with us5

Wensle#dale shook his head5 "3 out o4 $u44 ust co3ing u$stairs5 "d onl# slow #ou down5 " cant run5 But

#ou 3ust5

The Doctor and !e$$le were *oth looking at Wensle#dale now5 There 3ust *e another wa#+ !e$$le

said5

&ets discuss this+ the Doctor suggested5

We have discussed it+ Crowther and "5 >ou should go5 ot waste an# 3ore ti3e5

The Doctor nodded to !ose5 =o on5

0reddie was on the landing now5 He and !ose and Crowther stood at the to$ o4 the stairs5 Melissa

gave a snarl o4 anger as !e$$le 3oved slowl#+ reluctantl#+ to oin the35

We 3a# have to run+ Crowther said (uietl#5

Makes a change+ !ose re$lied5

Wensle#dale had relaxed slightl# now 0reddie and !ose were a$$arentl# sa4e5 He turned to the Doctor

as !e$$le ste$$ed on to the landing5 ow+ #ou leave too+ Doctor5 o argu3ent5

The Doctors 3outh o$ened to re$l#5 But the words never ca3e5 %s Wensle#dale glanced awa#+ at theDoctor+ Melissa Heart *rought the s3all wea$on she was still holding towards her 4ace5 "4 Wensle#dale

saw the 3ove3ent+ $erha$s he thought it was a cigarette5 He hesitated+ onl# a 3o3ent5 But long

enough5

The ti$ o4 the tu*e glowed red5 The Doctors re$l# *eca3e a shout o4 warning5 0ire s$at across

Melissas shoulder and caught Wensle#dale 4ull in the 4ace5 The gun went o445 But Wensle#dale was

alread# 4alling li4eless to the 4loor+ and the shot went wide sla33ing into the lead $anelling on the other

side o4 the roo35



!unJ the Doctor shouted5 0ind W#se5

Crowther $ushed !ose and 0reddie ahead o4 hi3 down the stairs5 0reddie looked *ack to see the

Doctor lea$ing 4orwards5 But one o4 the 3etal knights ste$$ed into the Doctors $ath+ *locking his esca$e5

!e$$le was on the landing+ looking 4ro3 0reddie and the others to the Doctor and *ack5 "n that s$lit

second 0reddie could al3ost see the wheels in !e$$les 3ind turning as he assessed his chances+ as

he decided what to do5

Then !ose was dragging 0redd ie with her down the stairs+ and the 3etal 4eet o4 one o4 the

Mechanicals were thu3$ing ra$idl# a4ter the35

The stairs were a *lur5 Two landings+ $erha$s three5 More stairs5 Still the thu3$ o4 the 3etal night3are

that was chasing the35 "t had see3ed so cu3*erso3e+ so slow5 But now it was 3oving ra$idl#+ gaining on

the35 "t would catch u$ with the3 *e4ore the# reached the ground 4loor+ 0reddie realised5

%t the next landing+ !ose turned to descend the next 4light o4 stairs5 &ike 0reddie and Crowther+ she

was gas$ing 4or *reath+ glancing *ack5 The 3etal 4igure was close *ehind the3 now5 So close that 0reddie

thought he could hear its ticking5

Crowther gra**ed !oses ar3+ $ulling her *ack5 This wa#J he shouted+ leading the3 along the

landing+ awa# 4ro3 the stairs+ down the corridor5

Well *e tra$$ed+ she shouted *ack5 Theres no wa# out5

0ire esca$e+ Crowther shouted *ack5

Well never get to it5

She was right5 0reddie didnt know where the# were heading+ *ut the Mechanical was al3ost on the35

% 3etal hand clutched at 0reddies *ack5 He risked a look over his shoulder5 "t was so close he could

see the rivets on the hel3et+ hear the click and tick o4 the 3echanis3 that controlled the 4ingers that

sna$$ed and *it at hi35 He gave an involuntar# shriek o4 4ear and looked awa#5

Onl# a 4ew #ards+ Crowther gas$ed5

%head o4 the3+ on the 4loor+ 0reddie could see what looked like a $lank o4 wood+ l#ing across the

corr idor5 Together with the others he ste$$ed over it as the# ran5 "t was onl# a cou$le o4 inches thick5

But as soon as the# $assed it+ the $lank rose u$ in the $ath o4 the Mechanical5 0reddie caught a gli3$se

o4 the old 3an standing in the doorwa# at the side o4 the corridor+ holding one end o4 the $lank+ li4ting it into

the $ath o4 their $ursuer5

The Mechanical sla33ed into the $lank o4 wood with a s$lintering crash5 The $lank had cracked and

*ent+ *ut it held5 The 3etal 3an was sto$$ed in his tracks+ knocked *ackwards+ and 4ell heavil# to the

ground5 0reddie caught the *rie4est gli3$se o4 the Mechanicals 4ate5 He saw the hel3et visor arred 4ree asthe head hit the 4loor5 &ike Melissa Heart+ its 3ask ca3e awa# to reveal the lack o4 a 4ace *eneath5

"nstead there was a 3ass o4 cogwheels+ clicking round rh#th3icall#5 Tin# gears and levers worked

4uriousl#5 0l#wheels s$un and 3echanis3s clicked5 Where the 4orehead should have *een+ a large 3ultiF

4aceted glass or cr#stal stood slightl# $roud o4 the 3echanis3s+ catching the light as the creature

strugg led to stand u$5 &ike the ewelled 3echanis3 o4 a clock5

0reddie and the others did not wait to see how long it took to recover5 Two old 3en were with the3

now+ alread# *reathless and stu3*ling5 % 3etal scra$ing sound 4ro3 *ehind the3 dragging+ 3a#*e the



Mechanical cla3*ering to its 4eet5 0reddie did not look *ack5

There was a roo3 at the end o4 the corridor+ the door standing o$en5 The# al3ost 4ell inside+ and

Crowther sla33ed the door shut+ locking it and $ocketing the ke#5 Well done+ gentle3en+ he said5

The two old 3en were *oth dou*led u$+ getting their *reath *ack5 One o4 the3+ 0reddie realised

with sur$rise+ was laughing5

The other straightened u$ and looked round5 !ose was at the w indow on the o ther side o4 t he ro o3+

o$en ing it 5 Theres a ladder down+ she said5 0ire esca$e5 Hurr# u$+ that thing will *e *ack in a 3inute5

%s i4 in answer+ there was a heav# thu3$ on the door5 Then another+ and a third5

Where is Wensle#daleG one o4 the old 3en asked5

Crowther guided hi3 to the window+ where !ose was waiting5 He looked *ack at the door+ at the

$anels that were alread# s$lintering and s$litting a$art5 "3 a4raid Mr Wensle#dale wont *e oining us+

he said (uietl#5 We did discuss this+ and he asked 3e to conve# his a$ologies5

!ose was waiting 4or 0reddie5 She hel$ed hi3 through the window and on to the ladder5 What will

ha$$enG he asked her5

Well 4ind W#se+ she told hi35 %s the Doctor said5

" 3eant+ what will ha$$en to the DoctorG %nd !e$$leG

She didnt answer5

!e$$le looked u$ 4ro3 Wensle#dales *od#5 %nd #ou call 3e a 3urderer5

" had no choice+ Melissa said5

Theres alwa#s a choice+ the Doctor told her5 Wh# did #ou choose to sta#G he asked !e$$le5

>ou are in har3s wa# *ecause o4 3e+ Doctor5 " could not a*andon #ou to these555 $eo$le5

%nd nowG the Doctor asked5

ow #ou will co3e with 3e *ack to 3# house+ Melissa said5 The re3aining Mechanical ste$$ed

4orwards+ urging the3 towards the door5

TeaG How kind5

" have a shi$ read# to take us *ack to Katuria5

o teaG

%nd there #ou will stand trial 4or #our cri3es5 Both o4 #ou5

Both o4 usG !e$$le said5

The Doctors e#es narrowed as he watched Melissa+ waited 4or her re$l#5

"t will *e a triu3$hant 3o3ent+ though overshadowed *# the thought o4 the death + the carnage+ thedestruction #ou have caused5 She was staring straight at !e$$le+ through her 3ask5 The trial o4 the

hated Shade assil#+ who is res$onsi*le 4or so 3an# deaths5 She turned to 4ace the Doctor5 %nd his

acco3$lice5



H"! EE

The thick glass distor ted the 3urk# waters outside5 o light 4iltered down through the Tha3es+ so the

glass wall re4lected *ack the i3age o4 the Doctor and !e$$le staring at it5 The roo3 was a 4eatureless

s(uare+ a *lockedFo44 $art o4 the tu*e that connected the *ase3ent o4 Melissa Hearts ac(uired house

to the airlock o4 the s$aceshi$ she had concealed on the river*ed5

%t gun$oint+ she and the Mechanical had led the Doctor and !e$$le 4ro3 the i3$erial Clu*5 The

other Mechanical was waiting 4or the3 at the house5 "t gave a halting account o4 how !ose+ 0reddie and

Crowther had esca$ed5 Melissa dis3issed this as irrelevant5 She had who she wanted5 ow+ while she

sent 3essages to arrange an escort and instructed the Mechanica ls to *egin the $owerFu$ $rocedures+

the Doctor and !e$$le were con4ined to the s$ace *etween cellar and shi$5

0ish tank+ the Doctor said angril#5 %ir locks were at either end+ and two walls o4 glass5 %*ove the3+

glass+ *elow the3+ the river*ed seen through glass5 &ike standing underwater5 He thu3$ed his 4ist on the

trans$arent wall in 4ront o4 hi35 He could 4eel it give *eneath his hand+ the 3irrored i3age shi33ering

as the glass 3oved5

" dont think #ou can s3ash #our wa# out+ !e$$le said5 ot without creating a weak $oint so3ehow5 eed so3ething shar$ to score it+ or heav# to wallo$ it5

)re4era*l# *oth5

There is no esca$e+ !e$$le $ronounced5 He stood staring at his re4lection5 " shall 4ace 3# trial and

execution with the dignit# o4 a Katurian no*le5

Melissa see3s to think #oure an#thing *ut no*le+ the Doctor $ointed out5

)ro$aganda5 The revolutionaries have to usti4# seiing $ower so3ehow5 The# do that *# *la3ing

the $revious regi3eF*la3ing 3e 4or i3aginar# 3isde3eanours5

Misde3eanoursG She was talking a*out genocide5 Whole co33unities wi$ed out to $reserve #our e3$ire5

)lanets ravaged 4or daring to (uestion #our authorit#5 Thousands o4 $eo$le si3$l# disa$$earing to suit a

$olitical $ur$ose5

There are two sides to ever# event+ !e$$le re$ lied 4iercel#5 >es+ there were re*ellions that were $ut

down5 >es+ $lanets tried to secede 4ro3 the e3$ire5 But it was in their *est interests to sta# $art o4 the

alliance and that is what the 3aorit# o4 their $o$ulations wanted5

So #ou wi$ed the3 outG The Doctor shook his head+ incredulous5

O4 course not5 She exaggerates5 There were no re$risals+ no needless execut ions5 Ever#thing was



done with honour and ustice5 The e3$ire would 4all a$art i4 it wasnt *ased on 4airness and the struggle to

do what is *est5 "t will 4all a$art now these 3urderers and 3ercenaries are in control5

>ou reall# *elieve thatG the Doctor asked (uietl#5

!e$$le was staring right at hi3 in the glassI his re4lected gae held the Doctors5 " do5 >ou saw what

she did to %ske5

He was tr#ing to kill her5

He was tr#ing to save us all5 !e$$le looked awa#5 " should have died in his $lace5

The Doctor c licked his tongue and $aced out the length o4 the glassFwalled cell5 Discovering the truths

ver# di44icult when so 3an# $eo$le are l#ing+ he said5 Even harder i4 the# dont know the# re l#ing5

MeaningG

That #ou reall# *elieve Shade assil#+ ruler o4 Katuria with all those titles and long words a4ter his na3e+ is

an honoura*le 3an5 o*le5

How else could " live with 3#sel4G

But Melissa o*viousl# thinks di44erentl#5 How can #ou *oth *e rightG

She is l#ing+ !e$$le said5 Or wrong5 Or *oth5

>eah+ it co3es down to who " *elieve5 She has the $assion+ *ehind that 3ask5 The anger and

resent3ent and co33it3ent5 >et #ou555 He $aused+ turned+ $aced *ack5 >ou sta#ed to tr# to hel$ 3e5

>ou insisted that 0reddie not *e $ut in danger5 >ou grieved 4or #our 4riend+ who was also #our ailer and

3ight have *een #our executioner5

Thank #ou+ Doctor5

0or whatG

0or *elieving 3e5

The Doctors s3ile 4roe on his 4ace5 Dont thank 3e #et5 >our actions are at odds with Melissas

descri$tion5 Doesnt 3ean shes wrong+ though5

!e$$le turned 4ro3 the glass and $ointed at the Doctor5 So+ #ou think " have changedG Mellowed with

3# exileG >ou *elieve " a3 a re4or3ed 3ass 3urdererG

One $ossi*ilit#5 But like the truth a*out #ou and %ske+ several theories 3a# 4it the sa3e 4acts5

)erha$s none o4 the3s right5

She thinks " was an unust ruler+ !e$$le said vehe3entl#5 That is si3$l# not true5 " was de$osed *#

extre3ists+ terrorists with their own twisted agenda5 He a**ed his 4inger into the Doctors chest5 " was not

a des$ot5 %nother a*5 " was not a t#rant5 He was advancing+ 3aking the Doctor 3ove *ack to the

glass wall *ehind hi35 %t the next a*+ the Doctor caught !e$$les hand in his own5 With his other hand+ he a**ed *ack at

!e$$les chest5 >ou were not a ruler at all+ he said5

%re #ou calling 3e a liarG !e$$le cried5 >ou think that $erha$s %ske was assil#G

o5 The Doctors voice was cal3 now+ al3ost soothing5 Course not5 He knew #ou were Shade

assil#5 He died 4or that *elie4+ his *elie4 in #ou5 He was as sure that #oure Shade assil# as #ou are5 %4ter

all+ he was sent to $rotect and guard #ou+ sent to kee$ #ou in exile5 =iven all the 4acts5 The Doctor shook

his head sadl#5 Exce$t one5



What do #ou 3eanG

>ou know+ the Doctor said+ resu3ing his $acing+ how so3eti3es #ou onl# a$$reciate so3ething

when it is taken awa# 4ro3 #ou5+

>ou 3ean 3# 4reedo3G

" 3ean 3ore like the hu3 o4 the central heating or the air conditioning5 >o u onl# notice it was there

when it sto$s5 While its constant+ $art o4 the nature o4 things+ its unre3arka*le5 'ust the wa# things are5

>our *rain doesnt even *other to tell #ou a*out it+ unless theres a change that 3ight *e i3$ortant5

"s this i3$ortantG

&ike Melissas Mechanicals+ the Doctor went on5 "4 #oure with the3 long enough+ #ou dont even

notice the#re clicking at #ou5

>our $oint *eingG !e$$le de3anded5

M# $oint *eing that its like the ticking o4 a clock5 >ou dont hear it+ *ut its there5 Onl# " have the

o$$osite $ro*le35 He tilted his head to one side5 Do #ou hear itG

Hear whatG !e$$le listened 4or a 3o3ent+ then shook his head5 Theres nothing5

OhG >ou see+ " can hear when " *other to listen " can hear the ticking o4 a clock5 Which is odd5

Because555 He $aused+ encouraging !e$$le to 4inish the thought5

Because there is no clock in here5

Exactl#5 %nd "ve *een in this situation *e4ore5 Several ti3es recentl#5 He took a ste$ 4orwards+ standing

toe to toe with !e$$le+ looking hi3 in the 4ace5 %nd alwa#s "ve *een with #ou5

!e$$le said nothing5 His 4ace was a *lank 3ask+ devoid o4 ex$ression5

>oure not Shade assil#+ the Doctor said5 >ou ust think #ou are5 %nd he reached u$ and took o44

!e$$le s 4ace5 Sorr#5 He ste$$ed aside+ allowing !e$$le to see his own re4lection in the glass wall

*ehind5 !eall#+ l a35

!e$$le ust stared5 Stared at the 3ass o4 cogwheels that clicked round rh#th3icall#5

"t took 3e a while+ the Doctor ad3itted5

Tin# gears and levers worked 4uriousl#5

But " realised "ve never seen #ou s3ile5 Or 4rown5 Or laugh5 He 4olded u$ the arti4icial 4ace and

$ushed it into his $ocket5 Bit like Melissa+ reall#5

0l#wheels s$un and 3echanis3s clicked5

Oh+ #our voice does it5 Theres in4lection and e3otion5 er# clever5

Where the 4orehead should have *een+ a large 3ulti4aceted glass or cr#stal stood slightl# $roud o4

the 3echanis3s+ catching the light re4lected 4ro3 the glass and the ri$$ling water outside5 >ou eat and drink and slee$5 But its all rather 3echanical+ isnt itG

&ike the ewelled 3echanis3 o4 a clock5

!e$$les 3echanised 4ace was at odds with the tortured ras$ o4 his voice5 " still cant hear it5

>ou live with it all the ti3e5 )erha$s the# $rogra33ed #ou not to5

The 4ace turned slowl# towards the Doctor5 Ever# $art o4 it see3ed to *e alive5 Onl# the cr#sta l did

not 3ove+ *ut it see3ed to as it re4lected the light5 What a3 "G !e$$le de3anded5 He clutched at the

Doctors shoulders+ dragging hi3 closer5 Who a3 "GJ



With a whirr o4 gears and an anguished cr#+ !e$$le let go o4 the Doctor and sank to his knees5 His

whole *od# was shaking+ as i4 he were so**ing5 But there were no tears+ no e#es to cr# the35

Oh+ get u$+ the Doctor said5 Theres work to *e done5

There is nothing to *e done5 o $ur$ose5 o reason5 He continued to shake5

The Doctor watched hi35 We dont have ti3e 4or sulking5

What else can " doG

Or 4eeling sorr# 4or #oursel45

The clockwork 4ace turned to look u$ at the Doctor5 M# whole li4e is a lie5 " a3555 no one5

>ou 3a# not *e assil#5 But #oure still !e$$le5

%nd who is thatG Wh# should " go onG

Because i4 Melissas right+ then so3ewhere close *# theres a $owerF3ad ho3icidal 3aniac with a

su$eriorit# co3$lex who wont let the s3all 3atter o4 the hu3an race get in the wa# o4 his esca$e 4ro3

this $lanet5 %nd now that the onl# thing kee$ing h i3 in check has $ro*a* l# *een da3aged *e#ond

re$air+ hes likel# to *e 3aking ver# un$leasant $lans to esca$e+ or to rule+ or *oth5

!e$$le considered+ slowl# getting to his 4eet5 His 4ace clicked through the o$tions and $ossi*ilities5 We

3ust tell Melissa Heart5 She will hel$ us5

The Doctor sighed5 Or shell decide "3 the villain a4ter all+ and #oure 3# ailer5 o+ weve got to get out

o4 here5

!e$$le turned and exa3ined hi3sel4 closel# in the glass5 % 3ass o4 cogs and gears stared *ack at

hi3+ the dia3ondFlike cr#stal that regulated the 3echanis3s glea3ed incongruousl# in the 3idst o4 the

3achine5 %nd how do we do thatG He sounded wear# and unenthusiastic5

The Doctor looked at hi35 Ase #our head+ he said5

He did not wait 4or a re$l#5 He ste$$ed 4orward+ $ut *oth his hands *ehind !e$$les head and ra33ed it

violentl# 4orward into the glass5

The cr#stal cracked into the sur4ace o4 the toughened window5 The Doctor held !e$$les head tight+

dragging it down and across5

WhatG !e$$le gas$ed as soon as the Doctor let go5

But even *e4ore he had 4inished s$eaking+ the Doctor had hold o4 hi3 again+ was s3acking his head

*ack into the glass+ dragging down and across the other wa# through the dee$ scratch he had

alread# 3ade5

When the Doctor let go again+ !e$$le wrenched hi3sel4 *ackwards5 "n 4ront o4 hi3+ in the g lass+ he

could see the Doctor grinning+ his glee 3arred onl# *# the dee$l# scored that ran through hisre4lection5

The weakest $oint+ the Doctor said+ will *e here5 He ste$$ed u$ to the glass and ta$$ed on the

centre o4 the where the two lines crossed5 He turned and winked at !e$$le5 Brace #oursel4+ he said5

ow its 3# turn5

He turned *ack towards the glass+ 4elt care4ull# over the window5 The# could *oth see that the glass

was *ulging slightl# inwards where it had *een weakened5 There was a sound like ice cracking5 The

Doctor nodded ha$$il# and took a cou$le o4 $aces *ack 4ro3 the g lass5 Then he ran at the window5 He



lea$ed+ legs extended+ *oth 4eet crashing into the wall at the sa3e ti3e+ right in the centre o4 the 5

Crashing into+ and through5

Murk#+ cold Tha3es water swe$t in+ $unching aside the re3ains o4 the window and taking the

Doctor with it5 He cannoned into !e$$le+ and the# *oth 4ell into the ra$idl# rising water5

What nowG !e$$le shouted+ his voice all *ut lost in the thunder o4 the ha33ering water5

" can hold 3# *reath 4or ages+ the Doctor gas$ed5 %nd #ou dont need to *reathe5

One o4 the airlocks+ the door *ack into the house+ not *uilt to withstand the stresses o4 dee$

s$ace+ *uckled under the waters attack5 "t was sagging+ *ending+ *reaking under the $ressure o4 the

water5 Suddenl# it gave wa#+ ex$loding inwards to allow the water to crash through and along the

short corridor the other side towards the cellars o4 the house5

The corridor slo$ed u$wards+ the Doctor re3e3*ered as he and !e$$le were carried along *# the

i33ense wave5 "4 the# could survive the *attering+ i4 he could hold his *reath 4or long enough+ the# would

*e washed into the house5 His shoulder sla33ed $ain4ull# into a wall+ the water rising over his 4ace and

the light 4ading5 %s the *lackness closed over his head+ he 4elt the heav# weight o4 the water *earing hi3

down and *egan to lose consciousness5 He 3ight not need 3uch *reath+ *ut he could still drown+ he

thought555 %s the darkness swe$t over hi35



0OA! EE

!oses 4irst 3ove+ once the# were clear o4 the clu*+ was to 3ake sure that 0reddie and the others were

sa4e5 Then she would think a*out how to 4ind W#se5 Crowther had no idea where the 3an 3ight *e

exce$t that he $la#ed chess ever# Wednesda# evening at a 4riends so3ewhere on or close to the

ictoria E3*ank3ent5 )erha$s Sir =eorge would know5

This was the argu3ent she used to $ersuade 0reddie to go ho3e5 ow that he was over the 4 right+ he

was keen to 4ind and hel$ the Doctor5 Though she could hardl# *la3e hi3+ as she 4elt the sa3e+ !ose+

with the hel$ o4 Crowther and the old 3en+ !anskill and Coleridge+ 3anaged to $ersuade the *o# that it

was *est 4or ever#one to head 4or his ho3e5

Dickson o$ened the door al3ost i33edia tel#5 He was visi*l# relieved to see 0reddie and at once

ushered the3 all into the drawing roo35 Sir =eorge was there alread#+ looking $ale and tired5 He said

nothing+ *ut hugged 0reddie tight5

When he eventuall# let the *o# go+ he said (uietl#+ >our 3other is in her roo35 >ou should go and see

her5 Shes worried5 Onl# the tre3or in his voice *etra#ed how worried she 3ust *e5

Thank #ou+ Sir =eorge said to !ose as soon as 0reddie had gone5 %s he gets older it will get harder+ "know5 But it is di44icult not to *e so ver# worried when he wanders o44 like that5

He was 4ine+ !ose said5 >ou know what kids are like5 She didnt want to get into the details5 There

wasnt ti3e5

Dickson was $our ing *rand# 4or the old 3en+ !anskill and Coleridge5 Crowther was dithering+

evidentl# 4eeling he should hel$5 Sir =eorge was looking at !ose5

>ou all right+ 3# dearG he asked5 >ou look a *it555

" a3 a *it555 She sighed5 &ook+ the#ll tell #ou all a*out it5 But " ve gotta dash5 Have to 4ind W#se5 >ou

dont know where this Ben so3eone he $la#s chess with lives+ do #ouG

Sir =eorge was shaking his head+ $uled5 Dont know W#se+ "3 a4raid to sa#5 Onl# 3et the cha$ a

cou$le o4 ti3es5 Sorr# " cant hel$5

ever 3ind5 !ose all *ut ran to the door5 She turned+ aware that the# were all watching her5

"ll co3e with #ou+ 3iss+ Crowther o44ered5

She shook her head5 "ll *e OK5 >ou get #our *reath *ack5 She s3iled5 %nd thanks 4or what Mu3 would

call the Seventh Cavalr# i3$ression5 He o*viousl# didnt understand what she 3eant+ *ut !ose hadnt

got ti3e to ex$lain5 See #a+ she said5



The 3oon was strugg ling to get through the la#e r o4 cloud and the gathering 4og as !ose reached

the river5 She 4elt cold and da3$ and worried5 She would have *een 3ore worried i4 she had seen the

4igure 4ollowing her+ running (uickl# *etween the dee$est shadows5 Once she turned+ 4eeling 4or so3e

reason she was *eing watched5 But though she stood 4or al3ost a 3inute+ she saw nothing and no

one5 =etting u3$#+ she decided+ and continued5

She could re3e3*er running along the sa3e stretch o4 the E3*ank3ent *e4ore+ with the Doctor+

soon a4ter the# 4irst 3et5 "t was strange how si3ilar and #et how di44erent it all see3ed5 The sk#line was

lower+ #et 3ost o4 the land3arks were there the Houses o4 )arlia3ent+ the *ridges5 o Millenniu3

Wheel+ though+ she thought with a s3ile5 But the s3ile 4aded as she realised that she was $utting o44

deciding what to do+ how to 4ind W#se+ hel$ing the Doctor5 Ma#*e she should knock on the doors o4 ever#

residential house she could 4ind and ask 4or Ben5

&ooking round+ wondering where exactl# to start+ !ose caught sight o4 3ove3ent5 )erha$s she had

*een 4ollowed5 But no+ the 3ove3ent was ahead o4 her+ 3oving awa# towards )arlia3ent S(uare5 %

$atch o4 shadow at 4irst+ sha$eless+ s3all+ *arel# visi*le5 She ran towards it+ kee$ing to the darkest $arts o4

the $ave3ent+ tr#ing to 3ake no sound5

"t was a cat5 &i3$ing along+ *ack leg dragging5 Even 4ro3 twent# #ards awa#+ !ose could hear the

unhealth# grinding o4 the 3echanis35 "t was in a *ad wa#+ da3aged+ she assu3ed+ when the %l

s#ste3 was *lown u$ *# Melissa5 But it continued to stagger onwards+ with a sense o4 $ur$ose+ o4

direction5 "t was heading so3ewhere+ and !ose wanted to know where5

The 4igure *ehind !ose watched *oth her and the cat5 "t nodded with satis4action5

Dickson told 3e 0reddie was *ack5 %nna looked old and 4rail+ o*viousl# a44ected 3ore than Sir =eorge *#

her sons disa$$earance5

Sir =eorge hurried over to her+ led her to a chair5 Sit down+ sit down5 >es+ the *o#s 4ine555 He

4rowned+ suddenl# worried5 " sent hi3 u$ to #ou5 Must *e (uarter o4 an hour ago now5 )erha$s he didnt

like to wake #ou5

But "ve not *een aslee$5 " couldnt settle5 " havent seen hi35

Sir =eorge sat down heavil# *eside his wi4e5 Oh+ 3# dear+ he said+ gras$ing her hand5 Oh+

0reddie+ what have #ou doneG

The world swa3 *ack into existence5 The Doctor *linked and stretched5 He 4elt cold and wet and

con4used5 'ust 4or a second5 Then he lea$ed to his 4eet and looked round5 He was standing in a 4ew incheso4 3udd# water in the vaulted cellar o4 Melissa Hearts house5

!e$$le was sitting at the *otto3 o4 the stone ste$s that led u$ into the house5 " thought #ou were

dead+ he said5

So did "5 How long was " outG

% 3inute5 o 3ore5 The water washed us in here+ then receded5

The Doctor considered this5 " was sinking+ drowning5 o wa# "d have 3ade it5

" carried and dragged #ou5



Thanks5

!e$$le said nothing5 He was staring down at his 4eet5 The cogs and gears in his 4ace clicked through

their 3otions without co33ent5

The Doctor went over and sat down *eside h i35 His clothes were clinging to hi3 and he was

te3$ted to u3$ u$ and down to shake the water o445 But instead he said (uietl#+ Being hu3an isnt onl#

a*out 4lesh and *lood5 He $ulled !e$$les 4ace 4ro3 his acket $ocket5 "t was 3ade 4ro3 a $lia*le #et ver#

strong 3aterial5 So3e sort o4 $orous $lastic+ the Doctor guessed5 &ike ever#thing else+ it was so$$ing

wet5 So he wrung it out like a dishcloth+ and handed it+ scrunchedFu$+ to !e$$le5

The 4ace un4olded in the auto3atons hand+ uncurling and stretching *ack into recognisa*le 4or35 The

4ace looking u$ at its owner5 Thank #ou+ Doctor5 He $ressed it over the ex$osed 3echanis3+ *linking his

clockwork e#es+ 3oving his clockwork 3outh5

Thank #ou+ the Doctor re$lied (uietl#5 He got to his 4eet and 3ade a cursor# e44ort to *rush the 3ud

4ro3 h is shirt with the *ack o4 his hand5 Shall we goG

He led the wa# u$ the ste$s5 There was a wooden door at the to$+ closed *ut not locked5 The Doctor

eased it o$en and ste$$ed out5 He e3erged into the hallwa#I the door was under the 3ain staircase5

The Doctor ste$$ed 4orward to allow !e$$le to 4ollow5 He stood in the 3iddle o4 the hall+ $uddles

4or3ing round his 4eet+ ta$$ing his chin wi th his 4inger as he worked through the $ossi*le next 3oves5

Do we go or do we sta#G he whis$ered to !e$$le5

%nd i4 we go+ where do we goG

To 4ind !ose5

!e$$le touched the Doctors ar3 a ver# hu3an gesture5 She will *e 4ine+ he said5 "3 sure5 There

was genuine concern in his voice+ *etween the 4aint clicks o4 his 3ind5

" know5 "3 sure too5 The Doctor s3iled thinl#5 Well+ 77577 $er cent sure5

!e$$le nodded5

"ts ust the hundredth o4 a hundredth+ the Doctor said+ thats so di44icult to acce$t5 He led the wa# to

the 4ront door+ unlocked it+ drew *ack the heav# *olts5 O$ened the door5

To reveal the 4aceless 3etal 3ask o4 the huge 4igure standing outside5 "t ste$$ed 4orwards as the

Doctor and !e$$le *oth turned to run *ack into the house5

But the other Mechanical was walking sti44l# along the hallwa# towards the3+ cutting o44 their esca$e5

The onl# other route was u$ the stairs5 But at the *otto3 o4 the 3ain staircase+ where $erha$s she had

*een 4or so3e ti3e+ sat Melissa Heart5

She was wearing her angr# 4ace5

The cat li3$ed its slow wa# along the $ave3ent+ and !ose 4ollowed5 0reddie watched 4ro3 the

shadows+ *eing care4ul not to let hi3sel4 *e seen5 !ose would take hi3 straight ho3e again+ he was

sure5 %nd he could hel$+ he knew he could5 He owed it to his 4riends+ to !ose and the Doctor+ to hel$ in

an# wa# he could5

%t so3e $oin t he would have to ste$ out into the li ght and show !ose he was here5 But now she was

*us# 4ollowing the cat5 )erha$s when the# arrived at wherever the cat was leading the3555



%s the# reached West3inster Bridge+ the cat see3ed to gather itsel4 *e4ore 3aking its hesitant wa#

across the road as 4ast as its 4ailing legs could take it5 There was a set o4 railings across the road on the

other side5 "t 3anaged to cli3* u$ and through+ dro$$ing down *e#ond5 !ose was across the road in a

4lash5 0reddie 4ollowed+ *ut he had to wait 4or a ca* to $ass5 "t sounded its horn in the 4og+ a 3elanchol#

sound+ all *ut swallowed *# the heav# air5

0reddie hurried over the road+ a4raid he 3ight have lost !ose5 The s3og was closing in now+ so that

ever#thing was $ale and drained o4 colour5 He looked all round+ *ut there was no sign o4 !ose5 He ran to

the railing+ and leaned over5 There she was5 %s he leaned+ the railing 3oved+ and 0reddie realised it was a

gate5 He eased it o$en and 4ollowed !ose down the ste$s the other side5

% large 4igure was loo3ing u$ out o4 the darkness5 0reddie saw !ose duck into cover as it

a$$roached5 There was nowhere 4or 0reddie to hide+ so he crouched down+ against the ste$s+ and

ho$ed the 4igure would not see hi35

"t was a $olice3an+ he realised as the 4igure $aused at the *otto3 o4 the ste$s5 0or a 3o3ent+ 0reddie

was a4raid the $olice3an was going to co3e u$ to the street and 4ind hi35 But then the 4igure

3oved on+ disa$$earing in to the 3ist# darkness as he 3oved awa# 4ro3 the la3$ at the *otto3 o4 the

ste$s5 0reddie hurried down+ and across a s3all lawn5 He was outside a large *uilding+ could see its

i3$ressive silhouette against the $ale glow o4 the 3oon5

The Houses o4 )arlia3ent5 Staring u$ at the dark sha$e+ he al3ost ran straight into !ose5 She was

standing still+ at the edge o4 the lawn5 0reddie 3anaged to sto$ *e4ore he went into her5 He held his

*reath+ sure she would hear the thu3$ing o4 his heart5 But she did not 3ove+ did not turn5 Had she

4ound the 3#sterious BenG He could ust see the dark sha$e o4 the cat dragging itsel4 through an

arched doorwa# on the other side o4 the $ath5

"ncredi*l# close+ *arel# 3u44led *# the gathering 4og+ the hour *egan to strike5 0reddie looked u$+

towards the sound+ 3irroring !oses stance a 4ew 4eet awa#5 She too was staring u$ at the enor3ous clock

tower rising high a*ove the35 The illu3inated 4ace o4 the clock a*ove the Houses o4 )arlia3ent shone

de4iantl# through the 4og5

He heard her voice clearl# *etween the chi3es o4 Big Ben5

Oh+ #ou have to *e kidding+ !ose said5

!e$$le stood in 4ront o4 Melissa5 >ou showed 3e #our 4ace+ he said5 &et 3e show #ou 3ine5 He $ut his

hand to his cheek+ $inched at the skin+ and $ulled his 4ace awa# 4ro3 the 3echanis3s *eneath5

Melissas arti4icial ex$ression did not change5 But her e#es see3ed to widen in the 3ask+ and she gave anaudi*le gas$5

"t sur$rised !e$$le too+ the Doctor assured her5 The# were standing at the *otto3 o4 the stairs+

4lanked *# the two Mechanicals5 Melissa was standing on the staircase+ so that she was looking down at

the35

" dont understand+ she said 5 The angr# 4ace turned towards the Doctor5 >ou have tricked 3eJ

He shook his head5 ot 3e5 " knew nothing a*out all this5

Melissa waved the Mechanicals awa#+ and the# ste$$ed *ack 4ro3 the Doctor and !e$$le5



Thank #ou+ the Doctor said5 " did wonder i4 assil# was actuall# dead+ he went on5 Whether this he

$ointed at !e$$les 4ace was a charade to allow ustice to *e seen to *e done5

Could it *eG Melissa wondered5 Was Shade assil# actuall# killed in the revolutionG Or did he take his own

li4e when he saw all was lostG

" did wonder5 But i4 that was the case+ the Doctor went on+ whats the $oint o4 the %l ter3inal at the

"3$erial Clu*G o+ he decided+ turning to !e$$le+ #oure a deco#5

% deco#+ !e$$le echoed5 He $ushed his 4ace *ack into $osition as he considered this5

So was %ske5 Both o4 #ou were sent here to draw out an# assassins who 3ight 4ind assil# s $rison5

Who 3ight get too close5 either o4 #ou ever sus$ected the truth5 "3 sure %ske *elieved a*solutel# that

#ou were Shade assil#5

%nd the real assil#G Melissa de3anded5

Still hiding5 Monitored and $rotected *# the %"5

But the %l has *een destro#ed5

The Doctor grinned suddenl#5 The cats $ro*a*l# have so3e level o4 autono3#+ *ut #es+ #oure right

the %ls done 4or5 Cats cant do 3uch without it5

So+ who is Shade assil#G !e$$le said (uietl#5 Do #ou know+ DoctorG

Cant *e certain+ *ut it does see3 likel#555

>esG Melissa said+ i3$atience and antici$ation 3eeting in her tone5

That Shade assil# is Mr )ooter5

But there is no such $erson+ !e$$le said5

The Doctor thrust his hands into his $ockets+ and gri3aced as he 4ound the $ockets were 4ull o4

water5 Oh #es there is5 " didnt want to *elieve it+ *ut555 He sighed5 Were 3eant to think there isnt the

da4 t na3e+ the 4act hardl# an#one ever sees hi35 But hes around5 %nd weve got to 4ind hi35

Wh#G

Because he is a 3ass 3urderer + Melissa told hi35 She took a ste$ down+ looking at e#e level at

!e$$le5 Whatever the# 3ight have $rogra33ed #ou to *elieve a*out hi3+ he is without honour or

co3$assion5 % war cri3inal with tens o4 thousands o4 deaths *ehind hi35 "ncluding+ she went on (uietl#+

3# *rother and 3# $arents5

More $rag3aticall#+ the Doctor said to !e$$le+ how did #ou arrive hereG

"n a shi$5 % s$aceshi$5

%nd wh# didnt #ou leaveG

Because %ske would have killed 3e i4 " tried5 %nd *ecause the shi$ was $owered down a4ter it washidden5 The cells co3$letel# de$leted5

"on cellsG the Doctor wondered5 !e$$le nodded5 "on cells that would need to *e reFenergised5

H#drogen extraction+ Melissa said (uietl#5

See3s likel#5

But he would need a su$$l# o4 h#drogen5

%nd wheres the shi$G the Doctor asked5 Ander the Tha3es+ like MelissasG



!e$$le nodded5 H/O+ he realised5 He could energise the Tha3es to recharge the ion cells5

He s had a lot o4 ti3e to $lan how to do it too+ the Doctor said5 Though the cat would have

sto$$ed hi3 4ro3 carr#ing out his $lan5 Antil now5

The catG Melissa said5

The Doctor nodded5 The real ailer and *od#guard+ controlled *# the %"+ watching all the ti3e5

But now the %l has *een destro#ed+ !e$$le said+ there is nothing to sto$ hi35 He 3a# alread# have the

e(ui$3ent set u$+ even though he could not use it until now5

Melissa took another ste$ 4orwards+ standing *etween the Doctor and !e$$le5 %nd i4 he energises the

Tha3es+ the oone 4allout555

Will ignite in the ox#genFrich air and create a 4irestor3+ the Doctor 4inished5 "tl l *urn through &ondon

ever# *ui ld ing+ ever# tree+ ever# 3an+ wo3an and ch ild in less ti3e than it takes to sneee5



0"0 EE

Through the arched doorwa#+ there was a view o4 the court#ard *e#ond5 "nside the *ase o4 the tower

was another door+ o44 to the right+ u$ a ste$5 !ose 4ollowed the cat as it li3$ed its wa# to the door5 "t was

a 3odest wooden door with a glass $anel in the u$$er hal4 and a $olished wooden $late that said si3$l#+

The Clock Tower5

The cat was standing in 4ront o4 the door+ staring at it5 "t hissed as !ose a$$roached5 She hesitated+

waiting 4or the e#es to 4lash and the deadl# ra#s to lance out at her5 But the cats green e#es see3ed

dulled and water#5 "t looked u$ at her weakl#5 "t didnt see3 to have the strength even to extend its

claws5 On an i3$ulse+ !ose knelt down and scoo$ed u$ the cat in her ar3s5 "t was cold and hard

under the thin 4ur5 othing at all like a real cat+ she thought5

%h+ there #ou are5

The door to the clock tower had o$ened without her noticing5 % 4igure stood in the doorwa#+ the light

*ehind so that !ose could not 3ake it out5 The 4igure ste$$ed down+ reaching out and taking the cat

4ro3 her5 "t was W#se5 His 4ace creased with a3use3ent as he cradled the cat in his ar3s and clicked

his tongue at it5 Da4t old thing+ he said5 Must have 4ollowed 3e here5 He held it so he could see into the cats dull e#es5

Doesnt look (uite the ticket+ does heG He ste$$ed *ack through the door+ nodding 4or !ose to 4ollow5

Co3e on then5

>ou $la# chess in hereG !ose asked5 She 4ound hersel4 at the *otto3 o4 a sur$risingl# s3all+ s(uare

stairwell5 Stone ste$s s$iralled u$ a*ove her so high she could not see the to$5

"n a 3anner o4 s$eaking5 W#se looked u$ with her5 The# stood close together in t he con4 ined s$ace5

There are 996 ste$s u$ to the *el4r#5 %nother 4i4t#Fnine to the lantern a*ove5 " have counted the3

3an# ti3es5

But what are #ou doingG

He laughed5 Co3e and see5 He o$ened the door again and+ in a sudden violent 3ove3ent+ 4lung

the cat outside5 !ose heard the 3etallic thu3$ as it hit the ground5 She thought she heard the tinkle

o4 *reaking 3echanis3s5 But W#se $ulled the door 4ir3l# closed+ s(ueeed $ast !ose and started u$ the

stairs5

!ose 3ade to 4ollow hi3 u$ the ste$s5 Then she sto$$ed+ hes itat ing at the *otto35 There was

so3ething a*out the wa# that he had *een holding the cat that unsettled her+ even *e4ore he had thrown



it aside so carelessl#5 The wa# he ru**ed his knuckles into the 4ur on to$ o4 the cats head+ 3aking

its *row wrinkle like his own5 "t see3ed so 4a3iliar that she assu3ed she had seen hi3 do it *e4ore5

%nd then she realised that she had5 "n the *oardroo3+ with the trustees at the 3eeting5 "t had *een

W#se sitting at the head o4 the ta*le5

>oure Mr )ooter+ she said (uietl#5

He turned and looked down at her 4ro3 several ste$s a*ove5 >es+ he ad3itted+ " a35

So+ #ou own the i3$erial Clu*5

>es+ " do5 But55 He shrugged5 "3 3odest a*out it5

That didnt ring true so3ehow5 Wh#G !ose asked5

W#se had alread# turned awa# and started u$ the ste$s+ o*viousl# assu3ing she would 4ollow5 His

voice echoed down to her5 Because " dont want to attract undue attention5 " like the authorit#+ the

$ower+ *ut " would rather not *e seen to *e wie lding it5 "n short+ " dont want to *e 4ound+ thats wh#5

Slowl# and (uietl#+ !ose 3oved *ack to the door5 =entl# and care4ull#+ she turned the handle5 But the

door re4used to o$en5

"ts locked+ W#ses a3used voice ca3e 4ro3 the 4loor a*ove5 >ou wont get out5 So #ou 3ight as

well co3e u$ here5 Oh+ and no one will hear or see #ou+ so dont worr# a*out that either5

!ose was staring through the glass $anel in the u$$er $art o4 the door5 W#se was $ro*a*l# right5 o

one would hear5 Hel$J she 3outhed5 0ind the Doctor5

0reddie didnt need to hear5 He was standing close to the other side o4 the door watching her

care4ull#5 He nodded5 %nd as !ose started to ascend the stairs+ 0reddie turned and ran5

W#se was waiting 4or her round the 4irst 4ull turn o4 the stairs5 There was a s3all landing and a door5 "t

was shut5 On the o$$osite wall was a narrow+ arched window covered with 3etal 3esh5 !ose s$ared it

onl# a glance it was o*viousl# too s3all 4or her to cli3* out o4+ even i4 she was willing to risk the long

dro$ to the ground outside5

W#se led her u$ to the next level+ and the next+ $ast another closed door+ then on to the next5 %nd

the next5 B# the sixth 4loor+ !oses knees were aching5 She sto$$ed and sat down outside the door5

W#se had also sto$$ed and was looking down at her in a3use3ent5 "t gets easier with $ractice+ he

assured her5 Storeroo3s and o44ices+ he ex$lained+ nodding at the door5 Most o4 the3 e3$t#5

Ani3$ortant5 Ten o4 the3 on to$ o4 each other5 This stairwell rises u$ in the corner o4 the tower5 "n the

o$$osite corner is a ventilation sha4t to draw the stale air through 4ro3 the de*ating cha3*ers5 Believe

3e+ he went on with a *enign s3ile+ when )arlia3ent is sitting there is a lot o4 stale air to *e ventilated5

Where are we goingG !ose de3anded+ getting to her 4eet again5 W#se was alread# on his wa#5 The $risoners roo35 ot 4ar now5

)risoners roo3G

Oh+ it doesnt re4er to #ou5 %t least+ not #et5 "ts where naught# Me3*ers o4 )arlia3ent are locked u$

i4 the# 3is*ehave5 Or+ in one nota*le case+ i4 the# re4use to swear lo#alt# to the 3onarch in the sight o4

=od5 %3usingl# arcane+ dont #ou thinkG

H#sterical5

W#se stood aside to allow !ose to enter the roo3 4irst5 "t was a strange sha$e + 3ore like a corridor



than a roo35 %s she walked round the three sides+ !ose realised this was *ecause it was *uilt round a

s(uare central sha4t5 But the sha$e o4 the roo3 was not as interesting as what was in it5 To get round+

!ose had to s(ueee $ast the enor3ous cogwheels+ sha4ts+ gears+ levers and dark ironwork5 The# were

dri$$ing with thick+ greas#+ *lack oil5 But the enor3ous 3echanis3s were silent and still not a click+

not a 3ove3ent5 othing5

The clocks sto$$ed+ !ose said5 Her voice echoed round the roo35

W#ses laughter echoed a4ter it5 The clock+ he said+ is a 3agni4icent 4eat o4 $recision engineering+

given the technolog# o4 this rather *ackward $lanet5 His 3onocle caught the light as he regarded her

closel# through it5

Oh+ #ou ad3it #oure an alien thenG

He ignored her+ continuing as i4 she had not s$oken5 But the clock is onl# a*out the sie o4 a 3odest

dinner ta*le5 "t will $rovide the 3otive 4orce to start 3# ra ther grander 3echanis3+ *ut otherwise it is

entirel# coincidental and unconnected5

>our 3echanis3G

The 3onocle dro$$ed 4ro3 his e#e+ swinging on its thin chain5 So3ehow this ti3e !ose didnt 4ind it

4unn#5 "3$ressive+ dont #ou thinkG He waited and+ getting no answer+ concluded+ >ou dont5 )it#5

!ose worked her wa# *ack to where W#se was standing *# the door5 But whats it 4orG >oure this Shade

Thing# $erson+ arent #ouG

Modest# 4or*ids+ he 3ur3ured5

So what are #ou u$ toG

Esca$ing 4ro3 3# exile5 The cat+ or rather cats+ 4or there were several + as #ou will have realised+ were

e44icient+ *ut la3enta*l# literal ailers5 The# had orders to $revent 3e 4ro3 reactivating the shi$ in which

$oor %ske and !e$$le and " arrived+ all that ti3e ago5 ot that the# knew " was on *oard5 "4 " had tried to

start this 3achiner# the cats would have killed 3e5 However the# had no orders to $revent 3e 4ro3

having it constructed in the 4irst $lace5 He gave a snort o4 laughter5 Thats wh# the# call it arti4icial

intelligence+ " su$$ose5

%ll this is to activate a s$aceshi$G

%s " said+ i3$ressive+ isnt itG The design is all 3# own+ though o4 course " su*cont racted a lot o4 it to

the $alace s Clerk o4 Works5 0or a 3odest 4ee5 He thinks its a s#ste3 to ensure the a*solute accurac# o4

the clock+ $oor devil5 W#se s3iled at the thought5 %t the 3o3ent+ the# use $ennies5 The# $ut the3 on

the to$ o4 the $endulu3+ or take the3 o44 it+ to shi4t the centre o4 gravit#5 "ngenious+ *ut so3ewhat

$ri3itive5 He ste$$ed u$ to the 3ain $art o4 the 3achiner#+ an enor3ous cogwheel that all *ut 4illed thes$ace *etween 4loor and ceiling5 The 3echanis3 extends u$wards to the clock a*ove us+ and down

through the central sha4t to the ground+ he ex$lained $roudl#5 %ll 4or the want o4 a decent h#droF

energising $lant5

So+ what nowG

Oh+ now " activate the 3echanis35 When the central s$ring has *een wound to the correct $oint+ it

will *e activated *# the clock5 The weights will 4all as Big Ben strikes the hour+ which in turn will release the

3ains$ring5 Then+ once these wheels have run u$ to s$eed+ the $ower realised will energise the water



3olecules in the !iver Tha3es5 That in turn will release the energ# that the shi$ will a*sor* to $ower

u$5 %nd " can leave5 He s3iled at the si3$licit# o4 it5 >ou can co3e with 3e i4 #ou like5

o+ ta5

He shrugged5 Or #ou can sta# here5 %nd *e *urned *e#ond recognition along with the rest o4

&ondon when the oone ignites5 He waved his hands as i4 wa4ting this s3all $ro*le3 awa#5 %n

un4ortunate side e44ect o4 the $rocess5

!ose stared at hi3+ scarcel# a*le to *elieve what he was telling her in such a 3atterFo4F4act 3anner5

>oure 3ad5

He nodded5 er# $ro*a*l#5 But "d rather *e 3ad and alive and 4ree than555 He didnt *other to 4inish5

Oh+ " 3ust thank #ou5 >ou and the Doctor5

What 4orG )la#ing chessG

That was a welco3e distraction5 The Doctor is al3ost a worth# o$$onent5 But no+ 4or hel$ing+ o4

course5 %t 4irst " thought #ou were the revolutionar# assassins hunting 4or 3e5 So " 3isled #ou slightl#+ "3

a4raid+ a*out555 Well+ a*out al3ost ever#thing5 "t see3ed (uite oll# at the ti3e5 But no+ #our *iggest

contri*ution+ aside 4ro3 drawing the real assassins into the o$en+ was to destro# the %l5 " assu3e that was

so3ething to do with #ou two+ $ro*a*l# when the )ainted &ad# and her Mechanicals attacked the "3$erial

Clu*5

The cats+ !ose 3ur3ured5

" could never have activated this while an# o4 the cats were 4ull# o$erationa l5 But now the %l is

dead and the cats 3ust have collectivel# exhausted their ninth lives+ " can do what " like5 Thank #ou+ he

said again5 >ou have set 3e 4ree5

The E3*ank3ent was the onl# clue the# had+ and+ as !e$$le $ointed out+ he could have *een l#ing5

>ou are sure that this W#se is Shade assil#G Melissa said5 The three o4 the3+ shadowed *# the two

Mechanicals+ were walking (uickl# 4ro3 Melissas house *ack towards the "3$erial Clu*+ and the

E3*ank3ent5

>eah+ the Doctor said5 He drew a heav# *reath5 %nd " sent !ose to look 4or hi35 He shook his head

sadl#5

Then we 3ust 4ind hi3 soon+ !e$$le said5 i4 " he is ca$a*le o4 the things Miss Heart clai3s555

He is+ she told the35 %nd 3ore5 >ou cannot even *egin to i3agine5

The Doctor nodded gravel#5 Sadl#+ " can5 Co3e on5

He led the3 3ore (uickl# into the 4og that now swirled around the35 Oh+ this is no good5 The# could*e an#where5 He sto$$ed and s$un round and round in circles5 Soon we wont *e a*le to see !ose

even i4 she u3$s u$ and down in 4ront o4 us5 Which+ he added+ is the sort o4 thing she 3ight do5

Doctor+ !e$$le said levell#+ who is thatG He $ointed into the 4og5 % dark s3udge d id indeed see3 to

*e u3$ing u$ and down+ a$$roaching in a rush5

!oseG

The 4igure e3erged into the $ale glea3 4ro3 the nearest street la3$5 ot !ose5

0reddieJ



The *o# was gas$ing 4or *reath5 He *ent over+ 3assaging his weak leg5 %4ter a 3o3ent he looked u$

at the Doctor5 His e#es widened+ and he gave a #el$ o4 sur$rise and 4ear5 Melissa and the two

Mechanicals had ste$$ed into view5 0reddie gra**ed the Doctors sleeve and tried to $ul l hi3 awa#5

"ts all right+ 0reddie5 Were all 3ates here5

We have an understanding+ !e$$le assured the *o#5

Where is !oseG the Doctor asked (uietl#5

Hes got her+ Doctor5 =ot her $risoner5

W#seG

0reddie shrugged5 % 3an5

%nd where are the#G

A$ inside Big Ben+ 0reddie said5 He was close to tears5 " tried to get in *ut it s all locked u$5 Doctor+

shes tra$$ed5 Well never *e a*le to save her5



S" EE

"t did not look 3uch like a dead cat+ not until the Doctor care4ull# $icked it u$ and straightened it out5 %n

intricate asse3*l# o4 *rass wheels and levers 4ell 4ro3 the s$lit 4ur5 "t *roke a$art as it hit the ground+

s$illing tin# screws and wheels across the 4lagstones5

Oo$s5 The Doctor crouched down and tried to gather the *its and $ieces together5 "n a *it o4 a 3ess5

Can #ou 3end itG 0reddie asked5 " didnt realise it was a to#+ not until the 3an threw it awa#5

% to#G The Doctor $rodded at the $ile o4 co3$onents on the ground5 " s$ose it is+ reall#5

We are wasting ti3e+ !e$$le announced5

" agree5 Melissa said5 We should s3ash down the door5

>eah+ the Doctor said5 %nd have that $olice3an and scores o4 his chu3s round here in a 4lash5 Thatd

hel$5 Were sla33ed in $oke# and &ondon *urns5 Hell have 3ade sure that door is ver# secure5 =ood

$lan5

>ou have a *etter oneG she asked5 Her 4ace was al3ost lost in the darkness+ onl# the silver

highl ights in the 3ask were visi*le as the# caught and threw *ack the light5

Must *e another wa# into the stairwell5 o other doors+ !e$$le $ointed out5

Doesnt have to *e a door5 The Doctor was walking through the arch into the court#ard *e#ond+

exa3ining ever# inch o4 the stonework5 Eventuall# he 4ound what he was looking 4or5 Windows look5

He $ointed u$ triu3$hantl# a*ove the arched doorwa#+ a*ove the roo4 o4 the adoining $alace5 )ale+ thin

light was s$illing 4ro3 a narrow window a*ove the35 That one 3ust give on to the stairwell5

%nd how do we get u$ thereG

We cli3*5

The# cli3*ed5

Melissa instructed the Mechanicals to wait with her at ground level+ kee$ing watch5 The Doctor hoisted

0reddie on to his shoulders and li4ted hi3 as high as he could5 The *o# clung on to the angled stonework

while the Doctor and !e$$le cli3*ed higher+ then the Doctor reached *ack down and swung u$ 0reddie

a4ter hi35

"t see3ed to take an age+ *ut eventuall# the# reached the 4lat roo4 o4 the 3ain *uilding alongside the

clock tower5 The dark stone stretched u$ out o4 sight a*ove the35 The# could see the $ale glow 4ro3 the

4aces o4 the clock al3ost 9-- 4eet awa#+ *ut were too close in to see the clock itsel45 Even at the 3odest



height the# had reached+ shreds o4 4og swirled round the3 in the increased *reee+ cla33# and cold5

The window the Doctor had seen was at his head height now higher than 0reddie5 The *o#

watched while the Doctor and !e$$le exa3ined it+ and he heard their disa$$ointed sighs5

Whats wrongG

There is a 3etal 3esh over the window+ !e$$le re$lied5 " can $ro*a*l# $ull that awa#+ Doctor5

Even so+ the Doctor said5

Even so+ whatG

Too s3all5 Too narrow5 Wed never get through there5

The catG !e$$le suggested5 "4 it can *e re$aired5

Thatd take ti3e we dont have5 %s he s$oke+ the Doctor glanced down5 Melissa and the Mechanicals

were standing *elow+ looking u$ at the35 Blank and ex$ressionless5

0reddie looked *ack u$+ and 4ound that the Doctor was staring at hi35 He lined u$ his hands with the

sides o4 the window+ then lowered the3+ holding the3 a$art and lining the3 u$ with 0reddie5 "t took

0reddie a 3o3ent to work out what he was doing5 Then he went cold with the realisation5

'ust a*out+ the Doctor said (uietl#5 How a*out it+ 0reddieG

0reddie swallowed+ his throat dr#5 "3555 not sure5

!e$$le was alread# reaching through the window and tearing awa# the 3esh5 "t 3ade a sound like a

saw cutting into hard wood as it $ulled 4ree5 He hauled out the ragged 3esh and dro$$ed it to the

leaded roo4 at their 4eet5

Even 4ro3 where he was standing+ looking u$+ 0reddie could see the agged edges o4 3etal where

the 3esh had *een torn out shar$ s$ikes utting 4ro3 the window edges5 " wont 4it+ he $rotested5 " could

get scratched5 Cut5

=ive it a go+ the Doctor said (uietl#5 0reddie+ " wouldnt ask i4 there was another wa#5 He crouched

down+ 4ace level with 0reddies5 >ou were a hero 4or us *e4ore+ re3e3*erG >our chance to *e a hero

again5

ot ust 4or us+ !e$$le said5 0or !ose5

0or ever#one+ the Doctor agreed5 %ll o4 &ondon5 >our $arents+ ever#one5

&ike 0ather+ 0reddie 3ur3ured+ re3e3*ering the look on his 4athers 4ace the 3ixture o4 satis4action

and 4ear and courage5 He wondered i4 his own 4ace looked the sa3e5

We cant 3ake #ou+ 0reddie+ the Doctor was sa#ing5 We can onl# ask5 "ts #our choice5

0reddie sucked in a dee$ *reath+ slowl# and care4ull#+ a4raid it 3ight *eco3e a so*5 " dont want to

get hurt+ he said5 But "ll do it5 The Doctor grinned and sla$$ed his shoulder5 =ood lad5 "ll give #ou a *unkFu$5 He li4ted 0reddie

easil# to the window ledge5 Once inside+ see i4 #ou can o$en the door5 "4 not+ then go and hel$ !ose5 Tr# to

slow down W#se5

What will #ou doG "4 " cant get #ou inG

Dont worr#5 " have a $lan5 But it will take ti3e5

"t was a tight s(ueee5 0reddie reached his ar3s in ahead o4 hi3+ scrunched hi3sel4 u$ as tight and

s3all as he could5 He could 4eel the stone sill hard and cold under hi35 He could 4eel the ragged



re3ains o4 the 3esh cover tearing at his clothes+ and ho$ed and $ra#ed he would not get stuck hal4 in

and hal4 out5

The Doctor held on to his 4eet+ to save hi3 4ro3 4alling through the window on to the hard stone stairs

inside5 "t was a dro$ o4 $erha$s 4our 4eet5 "4 he wasnt care4ul+ he would roll and tu3*le down to the

*otto3 o4 the tower5

0inall#+ the Doctor was 4orced to let go5 0reddies hands were stretched out+ *ut still a 4oot awa# 4ro3 the

ste$ *elow5 He 4ell 4orwards+ his hands s3acking into the stone5 But he 3anaged to ho ld on+ to save

hi3sel4 4ro3 $lunging onwards5 He 4elt the re3ains o4 the 3esh whi$ at his lower leg as it $ulled

through the window5 His 4eet slithered down the wall *ehind5

0reddie sat on the stairs+ getting his *reath *ack+ scarcel# a*le to *elieve that he was inside the tower+

sa4e and alive5 He ru**ed his $al3s together+ ins$ected the3 to 3ake sure he hadnt *roken the skin+

hadnt *ruised5

%ll rightG the Doctor hissed through the window a*ove hi35

>es+ " think so+ he whis$ered *ack5 Then he started down the stairs+ care4ull# at 4irst5 But then 4aster

and 4aster as he 4elt 3ore con4ident and excited5 He was a hero+ he was saving !ose and his $arents and

ever#one5

But the 4eeling did not last5 There was no ke# in the lock o4 the door5 The *olts were 4ir3 and he couldn t

3ove the3+ though he $ushed and heaved until he was worn out and had indentations in his sore hands5

The Doctor+ !e$$le and Melissa were watching through the glass o4 the door5 One o4 the Mechanicals had

taken a huge swi$e at it+ *ut not even 3ade a 3ark5 0reddie had ducked+ *ut the glass was so tough and

strong he had not even heard the i3$act o4 the *low5

Eventuall# he gave u$5 The Doctor had shrugged at hi3 in an exaggerated 3anner+ and s3iled+ and

disa$$eared 4ro3 sight5 Melissa had also gone5 Onl# !e$$le was le4t5 He nodded slowl#+ and $ointed

u$wards5 The 3eaning was clear+ and 0reddie *egan the long+ tiring ourne# u$ the stairs to 4ind !ose5

He was al3ost *ack at the window where he had cli3*ed in when he noticed the 4irst s$ots o4 *lood+

glistening red on the $ale stone o4 the stairs5 He 4elt hi3sel4 go cold+ his legs go nu3*5 0or several 3o3ents

he ust stared at the thin+ scarlet dro$s that $e$$ered the wal l under the window5 Then he reached

down+ without looking+ and 4ound at once the tear in his trousers where the 3esh had ri$$ed the cloth

and scratched his leg5

'ust a scratch+ he said to hi3sel45 "ts not *leeding 3uch5 " can save !ose5 He swallowed+ *ut the lu3$

re3ained in his throat5 He *linked+ *ut his vision was still *lurred *# tears5 " could *e a hero+ he thought+

and he stu3*led u$ the stairs+ the *lood $ounding in his ears5

Sitting crossFlegged on the ground+ the Doctor exa3ined the cat5 &#ing close *eside hi3 was a

$olice3an5 "t had taken the Doctor a 4ew 3o3ents to check that the 3an was 3erel# unconscious

and that the Mechanical that had hit hi3 had not *een overealous5 ow the 3an was snoring loudl#+

and distracting the Doctor as he worked5

"4 " can get this sorted+ it can cut through the door 4or us with its laser e#es5

>ou dont need to 4ix the whole cat+ !e$$le $ointed out5



Trou* le is " dont know which *it does what5 So its rather hit and 3iss5 He $ulled his sonic

screwdriver out o4 his acke t and ai3ed it at a col lection o4 cog s he held care4ull# in $lace with the

other hand5 Bit o4 soldering555 othing ha$$ened+ and the Doctor sighed5

Melissa was standing close *#+ watching through her 3ask5 She ste$$ed closer+ holding out her hand5

"s this what #ou needG

The Doctor took the $ower $ack with a grate4ul grunt5 Ta5 He $o$$ed o$en the end o4 the sonic

screwdriver and $ushed the c#lindrical $ower $ack inside *e4ore sna$$ing it closed again5

The device whirred+ thin trails o4 s3oke rose like 3ist 4ro3 the inside o4 the cat5 "t 4linched visi*l#+

then was still again5 The Doctor 4inished his work and ins$ected it care4ull#5 Might *e enough5

%nd i4 notG !e$$le asked5

"d need 3ore co3$onents 4or a $ro$er o*5 >ou know an allFnight watch3akersG He tugged the 4ur

round the cats 3etalF4ra3e *od#+ then he got to his 4eet+ holding the cat out in 4ront o4 hi35 Co3e on+

kitt#Fkitt#5 othing5 He shook the cat5 >ou know what we need to do+ dont #ou+ $ussG Still nothing5

He shook it again+ and the cat gave a weak+ desultor# 3eow5 "ts head li4ted a 4raction+ its e#es

glea3ed slightl#5 Then with a whirr and a clunk+ the head 4ell 4orwards again5

What co3$onents do #ou need+ DoctorG Melissa asked in the (uiet that 4ollowed5

>ou do know a watch3akerG

o5 But we do have a read# su$$l# availa*le5

The Doctor looked at her *lank 4ace5 Then he looked at !e$$le5

>ou ex$ect 3e to die 4or #ouG There was the 4aintest tre3or in his voice5 " dont know i4 " can+

Doctor5

Melissa laughed5 " ex$ect nothing5 She raised her hand+ *eckoning5 %nd one o4 the Mechanicals

ste$$ed out o4 the gloo35 "t sto$$ed in 4ront o4 the Doctor5 Slowl# and deli*eratel#+ it raised one

gauntleted hand and slid o$en the visor that covered its head5 To reveal the cogs and gears and

3echanis3s inside5

Even 3achines need so3ething to die 4or+ Melissa said5

0reddie could hear the 4aint voice echoing down the stairwell5 He held tight to the 3etal railing on the

inside o4 the stairs5 He wished he had his crutch5 His legs ached so ver# 3uch+ *ut he knew he had to

kee$ going5 Once he looked down the hole in the 3iddle o4 the s(uare+ and shuddered at the height he

had cli3*ed5 But he ke$t going5 The voice was getting louder+ closer+ as he cli3*ed the stairs5

"t was a 3ans voice5 Cal3 and reasona*le and under other circu3stances 0reddie would havethought it 4riendl#5 "t was co3ing 4ro3 an o$en door on the next level5 He slowed+ tr#ing to catch his

*reath+ a4raid the 3an W#se would hear his heart *eating5

" was intending to wait 4or 3idnight+ W#se was sa#ing5 "t see3ed suita*l# 3elodra3atic5 But "

i3agine the Doctor will *e looking 4or us *# now+ so we shall have to settle 4or ten oclock+ which is such a

$it#5

Big sha3e5

Dont *e too u$set5 Thats the onl# reason #oure still alive5



Star *illing in a hostage dra3a+ she said5 Oh+ great5

0reddie could hear !ose clearl#5 "t sounded as i4 she was ust inside the roo35 He cre$t u$ to the

door+ ti$toeing+ ignoring the dri$ o4 *lood 4ro3 his leg5 The *otto3 hal4 o4 his trouser leg was so$$ing5 "ts

ust a scratch+ he told hi3sel45 He edged closer+ and risked a (uick look into the roo35

!ose was standing ust inside5 W#se was *eside her and together the# were looking at the

enor3ous clockwork 3echanis3 that 4illed the roo35 The i33ensit# o4 it al3ost 3ade 0reddie gas$ in

awe5 0or a 3o3ent+ he 4orgot h is inured leg5

)erha$s it was the 3ove3ent+ or $erha$s it was an instinct5 Whatever it was+ !ose turned+ ust in

ti3e to see 0reddie standing in the doorwa#5 W#se also started to turn+ and he ducked out o4 sight

(uickl#5 But in that instant+ he had *een rewarded with !oses s3ile+ her realisation that she was not

alone5 "t 3ade ever#thing worth it5 0reddie *raced hi3sel4+ wondering what to do now5

The cats e#es glowed and twin *ea3s o4 light shot out 4ro3 the3+ 4ocusing on the area round the lock o4

the door5 The light ate into the woodwork with a screech o4 $ower5

%4ter a 4ew 3o3ents+ the lock like the *olts *e4ore it 4ell awa# and the door swung o$en the s3allest

4raction5 The Doctor dro$$ed the cat to the ground and kicked the door o$en 4ull#5 "t crashed *ack into the

wall *ehind5 The Doctor was alread# through and running+ 4ollowed *# !e$$le and Melissa5

The Mechanical $aused in the doorwa#5 "t turned sti44l# to look *ack at the inert re3ains o4 its 4ellow

4ace $late o$en and 3echanis3s hanging out5 Cogs and wheels and tin# *olts were s$il led across

the 4lagstones *eside the unconscious $olice3an5

Then the Mechanical turned and 4ollowed its 3istress into the clock tower5

B# which ti3e the cat was gone5

%s he wai ted+ lis tening to W#se talking a*out things he did not understand a*out ionisation and

oone and $otential energ# and s$ace 0reddie leaned against the stone wall5 His 3ind swa3+ the e44ort

o4 the cli3* catching u$ with hi3 $erha$s5 He shook his head to clear it+ and caught W#ses words

4ro3 inside the roo35

Sadl#+ " need to $ri3e the clock itsel4 in order to set this rather i3$ressive 3echanis3 in 3otion and

*egin the $rocess5 The voice see3ed closer now5 %nd the clock is a*ove us5 "4 #ou would care to lead the

wa#G

!ose e3erged 4ro3 the roo3 4irst5 She glanced at 0reddie as he $ressed hi3sel4 *ack against the wall +

then turned (uickl# awa# and started slowl# u$ the next 4light o4 ste$s5 W#se 4ollowed5 He $aused in the doorwa#5 0reddie held his *reath5 But W#se was alread# turning to

4ollow !ose5 0reddie would have to 3ove (uickl#5 He would have to get into the roo3 and out o4 sight

*e4ore W#se turned the corner o4 the stair and saw hi35 0reddie *raced hi3sel45

%s he ste$$ed out o4 the roo3+ W#se s li$$ed5 Onl# slightl#+ one 4oot sliding 4orwards a 4ew inches

on the stone 4loor5 Enough to 3ake hi3 look down5 &ook down and see the trail o4 4resh *lood that his

4oot had s3eared across the threshold5 He 4rowned+ started to turn towards 0reddie5

%t the sa3e 3o3ent+ a noise echoed u$ the tower5 % sudden $ower4ul screech 4ollowed *# a siling



like hot 3etal $lunged into cold water5 Then the *ang o4 the door at the *otto3 o4 the stairs as it

crashed o$en5

0reddie was staring right at W#se5 He saw the 3ans 4ace crease into a 4rown+ then sur$r ise+ then

anger5 The catG he 3ur3ured5

"t was now or never5 !oseJ 0reddie shouted5

%lread# she was running *ack down the ste$s+ alread# she was $ushing W#se awa#+ into the roo3

*ehind hi35 She gra**ed 0reddies hand and the# started down the staircase5

Then she shrieked sur$rise and 4ear rolled into one sound5

W#se had hold o4 her hair had gra**ed it as she rushed $ast+ and was dragging her *ack5

!unJ she hissed at 0reddie+ e#es wet with tears o4 $ain5

But he held on to her hand+ shaking her head5 " cant5 His voice was al3ost a so*5

W#se dragged her *ack+ then thrust her ahead o4 hi3 u$ the stairs5 He reached down and gra**ed

0reddie *# the shoulder and shoved hi3 a4ter !ose5 Luickl#+ he urged5 He $ulled a s3all revolver 4ro3

inside his acket+ and a**ed it at the35 Hurr#+ or therell *e 3ore *lood on the stairs5

The Doctor will sto$ #ou+ !ose said+ her tone ooing con4idence5

But W#se laughed5 Once " start the 3echanis3+ nothing can sto$ it5 Besides555 He $aused to shove

the3 into another roo35 " now have two hostages5

The centre o4 the clock roo3 was do3inated *# the clock itsel 45 W#se was right+ it was hardl# *igger

than a dinner ta*le a 4lat ironwork *ed on which the heav# 3etal 3echanis3 was laid out5 &evers and

wheels led u$ to huge rods that reached out and through the walls to turn the hands o4 the 4our clock

4aces outside5 The heav# $ersistent tick o4 the 3echanis3 echoed round the roo35

0reddie slu3$ed in a corner awa# 4ro3 the clock5 !ose was *eside hi35 W#se was at the clock+

clicking a lever into $lace and s3iling5 0ro3 so3ewhere 4ar *elow ca3e a heav# gr inding sound5

%nd then the Doctor was standing in the doorwa#5 His 4ace dark+ his e#es cold5 &et the3 go5

W#se laughed5 Co3e in here and " will kill the35

&et the3 go+ or #ou will never get to #our shi$5

>ou leave+ Doctor5 Then " shall go to the shi$5 Then #ou can co3e *ack 4or the3+ i4 #ou have t i3e5

The c lock has a lread# struck the (uarter5 When it reaches the hour555 He waved the gun *# wa# o4

de3onstration5

He would rather die than surrenderG "t was !e$$les voice 4ro3 the stairwa# outside5

>es+ he would+ Melissa answered5

W#se too had heard the35 >ou cant sto$ the 3echanis3+ he insisted5 %nd when the clockstrikes555 He sto$$ed a*ru$tl#+ as i4 sur$rised at his own words5

When the clock strikes+ the Doctor echoed5 There was the ghost o4 a s3ile on his 4ace now5 What i4 it

doesnt strikeG

Then he was gone in a *lur o4 3ove3ent5 The door sla33ed shut5

W#se cried out in anger5 >ou cant sto$ it5

Bet he can+ !ose said5 She was grinning5

W#se looked at her+ assessing the situation5 Then he ran across the roo35 Holding the gun $oised+ he



$ulled o$en the door5 The stairwa# was e3$t#5

Sta# here5 %nd " wouldnt tr# to sto$ the clock5 "4 #ou do+ the s$ring will activate and the weights will

dro$ and start the $rocess i33ediatel#5 Then he was gone5 The door sla33ed shut and a ke# turned

in the lock5

!ose was on her 4eet5 Co3e on+ she said5 Ma#*e we can sto$ the clock wi thout setting it o445 But+

looking at it+ she sighed5 Dunno where to start5

%n#where+ 0reddie suggested weakl#5

But " 3ight set things o44 when the Doctors ust a*out to sto$ it+ she said5 Well *e OK5 Hel l sort it5

She turned to s3ile encouragingl# at 0reddie5 But the s3ile 4roe5

>oure *leeding5

"ts 3# leg5 " caught it on the window when " cli3*ed in5 He stre tched it out and she ran over+ $ushing

u$ his torn trouser leg to reveal the skin slick with *lood *eneath5

!ose ru**ed at the *lood+ tr#ing to see where it was co3ing 4ro35 "ts ust a scratch+ she said with relie45

"ts not that *ig or dee$5 Kee$ still+ and itll soon sto$ *leeding5

0reddie shook his head5 He 4el t $ale and woo#5 o it wont+ he told her5 Mother sa#s its her 4ault5 "n

her *lood5 Sir =eorge sa#s its $roo4 o4 who " reall# a35 His e#es were 3oist as he stared u$ at !ose5 When "

start to *leed+ " dont sto$5



SEBE EE

The Doctor was gone5 But !e$$le and Melissa were waiting on the landing *elow when W#se e3erged

4ro3 the clock roo3 and sla33ed the door shut *ehind hi35 Melissa ste$$ed 4orward as W#se glanced

down5

assil#J she shouted5

He looked straight at her as she raised the tu*elike wea$on and 4ired5

Stonework *eside the door+ close to W#ses head+ ex$loded into stinging 4rag3ents5 He *arel#

4linched+ took his ti3e+ ai3ed the revolver5

The crack o4 the gunshot echoed loudl# in the con4ined s$ace5 Melissa gave a shriek o4 sur$rise and

$ain as the tu*ular device was knocked 4ro3 her hand *# the *ullet5 % line o4 red traced across her $al3+ and

the tu*e tu3*led into s$ace5 %s the echoes died awa#+ !e$$le heard it shatter on the 4loor nearl# 9-- 4eet

*elow5

W#se had ste$$ed 4orward to the rail outside the clock roo35 He took ai3 again5 On the lower turn o4

the stairs+ the re3aining Mechanical raised its ar35 The *lade caught the light as the tin# kni4e s$un

u$wards at W#se5 He 3oved his head ust enough to allow it to $ass and e3*ed itsel4 in the door *ehindhi35 The gun was $ointing directl# at Melissa5

He 4ired+ turned+ and ran in one 3ove3ent5 Melissa did not 4linch5

But !e$$le did5 He lea$ed in 4ront o4 her+ the *ullet catching hi3 in the chest+ driving hi3 *ackwards down

the stairs5 He slu3$ed to the 4loor+ close to where Melissa was standing5 Her ex$ressionless 4ace

s$ared hi3 a look+ then she was o44 u$ the stairs+ shouting 4or the Mechanical to 4ollow5

!e$$le la# there+ gas$ing+ listening to the ra$id clack o4 their 4eet as the# hurried a4ter W#se5 He 4elt

4or the wound+ 4ound the o$ening the *ullet had torn in his waistcoat and shirt5 He reached tre3*ling

4ingers through the ragged hole5 %nd $ulled out the 4lattened lead that had i3$acted on the 4leshFcovered

3etal o4 his chest5 He stared at it5

Wh# cant " *leedG he 3ur3ured5 Then he tossed the s$ent *ullet over the railing and got to his

4eet5 The *ullet clattered o44 the ste$s on the other side o4 the stairwell+ then *ounced *ack and into the

a*#ss5 The sound o4 its *ounce+ clatter+ 4all and eventual i3$act on the 4loor *elow rang in !e$$les ears

as he hurried a4ter W#se5 %nd when the sound was gone+ 4or the 4irst ti3e in his li4e+ !e$$le 4ancied he

could hear the du ll ticking o4 a clock co3ing 4ro3 so3ewhere inside his own head5



W#se had onl# run u$ one short 4light o4 stairs5 Then he ducked inside another wooden door+ and

$ushed it closed *ehind hi35 He stood+ listening+ at the door5 He s3iled as Melissa and the

Mechanical ran $ast+ u$ towards the *el4r#5

His s3ile 4roe as the Doctors voice ca3e 4ro3 *ehind hi3: Hello5

The door led into a narrow galler# that ran inside one o4 the 4aces o4 the clock5 The whole o4 one wall

was taken u$ with the clock 4ace over twent# 4eet in dia3eter+ over 9-- se$arate $ieces o4 glass held in

$lace *# 3etalwork5 % huge rod 4ro3 the adacent clock roo3 ran through the wall and into the centre

o4 the clock to drive the hands5

The other wall was a 3ass o4 light *ul*s *laing *rilliantl# to illu3inate the clock 4ace+ throwing the

shadows o4 the Doctor and W#se against the o$al glass5 'ust $ast the six oclock $osition a whole large

$ane o4 glass had *een $ushed aside5

W#se knew it was hinged to allow 3aintenance access to the clock 4ace a s$ace *arel# *ig enough 4or

a s3all 3an to s(ueee through5 The Doctor was standing *eside it+ $ushing it closed+ s3iling with sel4F

satis4action5

What have #ou doneG W#se hissed5 He raised the gun5

But the Doctor was alread# gone+ dashing to the end o4 the roo3 and turning the corner towards

the next clock 4ace5 W#se ran a4ter hi35 He sto$$ed at the centre o4 the galler#+ and shoved o$en

the glass $anel5 Had the Doctor so3ehow 3anaged to sto$ the clockG Was he tr#ing to a3 the 3inute

hand *e4ore it could reach twelveG Could he reall# have cli3*ed u$ the outside o4 the clock and *ack

againG

He leaned out through the glass5 The wind whi$$ed at W#ses hair+ *lowing it into a $anic around

his head5 He leaned as 4ar as he dared as 4ar as he could5 But it was not 4ar enough to see where the

clocks hands were5 "4 it had *een da#light outside he knew he would have seen the long 3inute hand

silhouetted against the glass 4ro3 inside5 Where was it nowG

Ana*le to get 4urther through the $anel+ W#se gave a grunt o4 *oth satis4action and anno#ance5 "4 he

could not get through the $anel+ then neither could the Doctor5 W#se had 4allen 4or the *lu44+ had sto$$ed

to check and given the Doctor a 4ew $recious 3o3ents longer 4or whatever he was reall# u$ to5 He

started to $ull hi3sel4 *ack inside5 %nd 4ound he could not 3ove5

The Doctor waited until W#se was leaning through the $anel+ then ran *ack and $ressed hard against

hi3 with *oth hands+ holding hi3 so he could not $ull hi3sel4 *ack inside5 "t would not $revent the clock

4ro3 striking+ *ut it solved one $ro*le3 at least5 MelissaJ he shouted as loudl# as he could5 "n here+ (uickl#5

W#se had realised what was ha$$ening and was struggling to get *ack in5 The Doctor could i3agine

hi3 tr#ing to angle the gun so he could shoot at the Doctor5 Even so+ the sound o4 the shot+ 4ollowed

i33ediatel# *# the crash o4 *reaking glass+ sur$rised hi35 The *ullet ricocheted o44 the inside wall5

=lass snowed down on the Doctor+ tearing at his hands and 4ace5 He could see the door at the end o4

the galler# o$en and the Mechanical starting towards hi35

Then the *ullet *ounced u$ o44 the 4loor and tore through a vital ca*le5 The lights went out+ $lunging the



Doctor into utter darkness5

He had relaxed his gri$ on W#se slightl# as the glass sc#thed into his hands5 W#se renewed his

struggles+ heaving *ackwards in an e44ort to *reak the Doc tors hold5 %t the sa3e instant+ so3ething

cannoned into the Doctor and sent hi3 s$rawling to the 4loor the Mechanical+ as con4used as the Doctor

*# the loss o4 the lights5

There was a $ale glow 4ro3 the next galler#+ where the lights were still working5 %s his e#es adusted+

the Doctor could 3ake out the tall sha$e o4 the Mechanical a*ove hi3 reaching 4or where W#se had

*een5 But the 3an was no longer there5 The Mechanical ste$$ed *ack+ as i4 $er$lexed5 The Doctor

$ulled hi3sel4 to his 4eet+ looking round in the ho$e o4 catching a gli3$se o4 W#se5

"nstead+ he caught the 4ull 4orce o4 W#ses attack 4elt the 3ans shoulder in the s3all o4 his *ack+

4orcing hi3 violentl# 4orwards into the clock 4ace5

The glass shattered as the Doctor crashed headF4irst into it5 Metal stanchions twisted and *roke

awa#5 Cold air and cla33# 4og *lasted into the Doctors 4ace and he 4elt hi3sel4 twisting+ tu3*ling+ 4alling5

Through the clock5 "nto s$ace5 Three hundred 4eet a*ove the ground5

o one could hear+ she was sure5 !ose ha33ered on the door5 She heaved and shoved *ut without

success5 Her cheeks were wet and she *rushed at the3 a*sentl# with the *acks o4 her hands as she

shouted and #elled and $ra#ed 4or so3eone to co3e and hel$5

Hes d#ingJ she screa3ed5

But there was no answer5

"n the corner o4 the roo3+ 0reddies *reathing was shallow and ra$id5 The 3ost accurate 3echanical

clock in the world ticked awa# the un4orgiving seconds as the *lood slowl# dri$$ed 4ro3 his *od#5

Once the c lock s truck the hour and the weights dro$$ed+ W#se knew that the $rocess would start5 He

would have $erha$s 4i4teen 3inutes to get to the shi$ *e4ore the at3os$here *eca3e unsta*le5 Ten 4or

sa4et#5 He cre$t slowl# along one o4 the galleries *ehind the clock 4ace5 The lights still worked here+ *ut

he was listening 4or the slightest hint o4 a 3echanis3 that was not the 3ain clock5

He had two o$tions5 He could go to the shi$ now+ and ho$e that the Doctors 4riends were una*le

to sto$ the 3echanis3s5 "4 ever#thing went according to $lan+ he would *e sa4e in the shi$ when she

$owered u$+ read# to leave this $athetic $lanet 4ar *ehind5 Or i4 not+ then at least he was 4ree and a*le to

tr# again+ i4 onl# he could esca$e 4ro3 the )ainted &ad# and her Mechanicals5

On the other hand+ he could sta# until the 3echanis3 activated5 He could 3ake sure thatever#thing worked+ and still have ti3e to esca$e to the shi$5 There was an ele3ent o4 risk+ *ut Shade

assil# was not one to sh# awa# 4ro3 danger5 He had allowed hi3sel4 to *e sidelined once+ *# agreeing to

exile rather than al3ost certain death5 He would not shirk his res$onsi*ilities his destin# again5

He ste$$ed out o4 the galle r#5 He $aused to savour the cool *reee 4ro3 the *roken clock 4ace that

gusted along the adacent galler#+ and to listen to !oses screa3s and shouts 4or he l$5 The others

would surel# *e $a#ing 3ore attent ion to her than to hunting 4or hi35 He s3iled and started u$ the

stairs towards the *el4r#5



The wind was *lowing holes in the 4og5 The air was still cold and da3$+ *ut through the tattered 4og there

was a 3agni4icent view o4 &ondon5 Ander other circu3stances+ the Doctor 3ight have *een i3$ressed5

But ust now he was hanging *# tired 4ingers 4ro3 the *otto3 o4 the clock 4ace+ struggling to hold on5

Ander the clock+ the tower extended outwards slightl#5 Hardl# a ledge+ *ut enough 4or the Doctor to have

collided with it as he 4ell5 He had *ounced+ slid+ scra**led+ and 4inall# 3anaged to get a gri$5 Hardl# even

that5 His 4ingers were latched on to the 4inal edge o4 stonework5 Stonework 3ake sli$$er# *# the 4og

and the &ondon gri3e that coated it5

One hand slid o445 The Doctor 4rowned5 He reached *ack u$+ tr# ing to gra* hold5 But it was too 4ar

awa#5 He tried again+ reaching as high as he could+ 4eeling the stitching in his acket give wa# under the

ar3s5 He couldnt $ossi*l# die needing a new acket5 The Doctor gritted his teeth+ read# 4or one last tr#5

His hand swung u$ again+ clutching at the air+ 4inding nothing5 %t the sa3e 3o3ent+ he 4elt the 4ingers

o4 his other hand sli$$ing 4ro3 the ledge5 Sorr#+ !ose+ he said (uietl#5

Then his 4ree hand sla$$ed into so3ething solid5 "nstinctivel#+ he gra**ed it+ held on tight5 %nd

whatever it was held on to hi35 The Doctor was 3oving not 4alling+ *ut *eing hauled u$wards5 % 3o3ent

later he 4ound hi3sel4 sitting on the ledge he had *een so des$erate to cling to5 "t was sur$risingl# wide5

Sitting *eside hi3 was !e$$le5 >ou looked like #ou needed a hand5

Several5 The Doctor looked u$+ and saw that it was an eas# cli3* *ack through the shattered clock

4ace and into the tower5 He got cautiousl# to his 4eet+ and sla$$ed !e$$le on the shoulder5 Thanks5 " owe

#ou5

We 3ust sto$ W#se+ !e$$le said si3$l# as he cli3*ed u$ a4ter the Doctor5

The Doctor was alread# easing hi3sel4 care4ull# over the *roken 3etal 4ra3e and the re3ains o4 the

*roken glass5 Too right5 o ti3e to hang around5

The# stood together in the darkened galler#+ 4eet crunching on the *roken glass5 The 3u44led sound o4

!oses shouts reached the3 4ro3 the clock roo3+ *ut it was i3$ossi*le to 3ake out her words5

Shes alwa#s i3$atient+ the Doctor said5 >ou sort out !ose and 0reddie5 OKG

er# well+ Doctor5

The# were hurr#ing along the galler#+ *ack towards the stairs5 %nd then see i4 #ou can a3 the

3echanis3 in the roo3s *elow so3ehow5 %n#thing to slow things down5 Wheres Melissa when we need

herG

" do not know5 What will #ou doG

The Doctor star ted u$ the stairs+ taking the3 two a t a ti3e+ hauling hi3sel4 along *# the handrail5The dro$ o4 the weights when the clock strikes is the trigger5 He 3ust have a ta$ into that s#ste3+ in the

*el4r#5 He disa$$eared round the corner o4 the stairs+ voice echoing *ack down+ a*ove !oses shouts5 "3

going to disconnect it5

!ose was al3ost hoarse 4ro3 shouting5 She thought she heard the Doctor calling 4ro3 outside+ and

$aused to listen5 But there was nothing5 She looked *ack at 0reddie he see3ed incredi*l# $ale5 She

tried not to look at the red $uddle growing *eside hi35 How 3uch *lood was there in a *o#s *od#G Must



*e several $ints5 0ive+ 3a#*e5 She tried to i3agine how 3uch that was+ think ing o4 when she had

dro$$ed a sli$$er# 3ilk *ottle in the kitchen5 % *eer 3ug knocked over down the $u*555

0reddie s3iled weakl# at her5 She tried to s3ile *ack5

Behind her+ the door gave a 3assive crack5 !ose ran over to 0reddie+ and together the# watched as

the wood s$lintered and *roke round the lock5 So3eone was 4orcing their wa# in5

0riend or 4oeG !ose wondered out loud5

The lock gave wa# with a screech o4 tearing 3etal5 Screws 4ell to the 4loor+ 4ollowed *# the lock itsel45 The

door swung o$en+ and !e$$le ste$$ed into the roo35

Whose side are #ou onG !ose de3anded5 Co3e to that+ ust who are #ou+ an#wa#G

He strode (uickl# across to the3+ and knelt *eside 0reddie+ exa3ining the gash in his leg5 " a3 on #our

side+ he said5 %nd " a3 ust 4inding out who " a35 He looked u$ at !ose5 Wh# isnt this healingG

Because hes a hae3o$hiliac5 " should have realised5 Onl# now+ onl# when she said it out loud+ did

!ose start to cr#5 She could hear 0reddie telling her how his s te$4ather wouldnt dare hit hi3 telling

her *e4ore the *o# even knew he was a $rince5 She could see his 3others tortured 4ace and wondered how

she could co$e ever# da# knowing the slightest scratch could kill her son5 She thought a*out the one

thing $eo$le re3e3*ered a*out the !o3anovs 5 That and the 4act the# were dead5 ow her innocent

stu$idit# was killing 0reddie5

Through her tears+ she saw that !e$$le had torn awa# the leg o4 0reddies trousers and was using the

sodden 3aterial as a tourni(uet5 She hadnt even thought to do that 4or hi35

"t will hel$+ !e$$le said5 But it wont sto$ it5 We need to close u$ the wound5 Cauterise it in so3e wa#5

!ose *linked *ack her tears and wi$ed her 4ace on her sleeve5 Sonic screwdriver+ she

re3e3*ered5 The Doctor said it can cauterise wounds5

0ind hi35 =et it5

!e$$le ran with her to the door+ his hand on her shoulder5 Hurr#+ he said (uietl#+ so 0reddie would

not hear5 He doesnt have long5

The stairs led into a large o$en area at the to$ o4 the tower5 The *ells were hung centrall# the largest+

Big Ben itsel4+ in the 3iddle+ with 4our s3aller (uarter *ells clustered round it5 There was a wooden

$lat4or3 under the *ells+ slightl# raised 4ro3 the stone 4loor that *ordered the roo35 The walls were

*roken *# o$en arches giving views out over &ondon5

The Doctor ran into the *el4r#+ u$ and over a s3all iron *ridge that led to the 4ar side o4 the roo35 More

ste$s led u$ to the to$3ost galler# *ut he ignored these5 On the 4ar side o4 the roo3 he 4ound Melissa+stoo$ing *eside a vast 3etal grille that covered the whole o4 one side o4 the *el4r#5

entilation sha4t+ he gas$ed5 The# light a 4ire at the *otto3 to draw the air through the *uilding5

&ooking across the# could see the shorter *ut wider ictoria Tower at the other end o4 the $alace5

Theres another one in there+ the Doctor added with a nod5 He looked down again5 Oh5

>es+ Melissa said+ as the# *oth looked into the sha4t5 "t was 4illed with 3achiner#5 " did think $erha$s

assil# was hiding in one o4 these sha4ts5

Hes reall# gone to town on this+ the Doctor said5



Melissa straightened u$5 She $ointed across towards the *ells+ indicating the heav# ha33er that was

standing slightl# $roud o4 the side o4 Big Ben5 He has attached a 3echanis3 to the ha33er+ and thence

to the weights5

The Doctor ran to look5 >eah5 Trick#5

"t can *e disconnected+ she said+ oining hi35 But+ as #ou sa# trick#5

Weve got a*out 4ive 3inutes5 One 4alse ste$ and the weights 4all5 Big Ben would sound an earl# death

knell5

One o4 the shadows close to the to$ o4 the stairs 3oved+ detaching itsel4 4ro3 the gloo3 and

ste$$ing u$ on to the raised *ridge over the *ell $lat4or35 Ste$ awa#+ Doctor+ W#se said5 He was

$ointing his revolver at the35 %nd #ou+ he added+ 3oving the gun slightl# to $oint at Melissa5

"ll leave it to #ou then+ the Doctor whis$ered5

W#se was walking slowl# along the *ridge+ kee$ing the gun level5 Melissas *lack and silver 3ask turned

to stare *lankl# at the Doctor5 >oud trust 3eG

%t the end o4 the *ridge+ W#se $aused5 He could co3e no closer without 3oving *ehind one o4

the (uarter *ells+ giving the3 a 3o3ent to esca$e5

The Doctor ke$t his e#es on W#se as he re$lied to Melissas (uestion5 >oure not a killer5 ot reall#5

>oud rather *e saving lives than chasing 3onsters+ ad3it it5 The Doctor gave an encouraging s3ile5 We

all would5

We should not $re tend to *e what we are not + she agreed5 %nd Melissa Heart re3oved her 3ask5

W#se 4roe at the sight o4 her 4ace5 ot horri4ied+ *ut startled5 Melissa ignored hi3 and turned to the

3echanis3 attached to the ha33er5 The Doctor launched hi3sel4 across the $lat4or3+ under the

(uarter *el l+ crashing into W#ses 3idri445

The gun clattered to the 4loor *ounced and tu3*led across to co3e to rest close to one o4 the

arched o$enings5

The Doctor wra$$ed his ar3s round W#ses legs+ *ringing hi3 down5 % 4oot *roke 4ree and kicked

savagel# at the Doctors 4ace5 He winced under the i3$act5 "ll kee$ hi3 *us#+ he gas$ed to Melissa5 He

let go with one ar3+ and 4u3*led in his $ocket while tr#ing to kee$ hold o4 W#se with the other ar35 Here+

#oull need thisJ He 3anaged to draw out the sonic screwdriver+ and tossed it across to Melissa5

She caught it easil#+ and set to work5

The *andage was $ain4ull# tight round the to$ o4 his leg+ *ut 0reddie thought it was hel$ing5 There

see3ed to *e less *leeding+ though the scratch was still dri$$ing *lood into the growing $ool *esidehi35

" was a hero+ wasnt "G he asked weakl#5

!e$$le nodded5 >es5

" never knew " was a king5 " thought " was ust an ordinar# $erson5

>es5 !e$$le looked awa#5 0reddie thought he was going to sa# so3ething 3ore+ *ut he was silent5

Thats all " wanted+ reall#5 But its good to *e a hero+ 0reddie said when !e$$le said nothing 3ore5

!e$$le got to his 4eet5 " never knew it+ he said+ *ut " ust wanted to *e an ordinar# $erson too5 ow it



see3s we all get to *e heroes5 He looked down at 0reddie+ his ex$ression as *lank and unreada*le as a

3ask5 " have to go now5 >oull *e all right5 " $ro3ise5

)lease " dont want to *e alone5 >ou will co3e *ackG

!e$$le $aused in the doorwa#5 He turned slowl# to look at 0reddie5 " will co3e *ack+ he said5 )erha$s it

was a trick o4 the light+ *ut it see3ed to 0reddie that the 3an was s3iling5

The Mechanical had 3ethodicall# checked each o4 the galleries *ehind the 4our clock 4aces5 But it had not

4ound its target5 "t $aused at the end o4 the 4inal galler#+ exa3ining the sha$e in the shadows *eside the

door5

'ust a cat+ li3$ing slowl# and $ain4ull# *ack towards the stairs5 The Mechanical ste$$ed over it and out

into the stairwell5 "t caught a gli3$se o4 a 4igure 3oving (uickl# down to the lower levels o4 the tower5 "t

clicked through the $ossi*ilities and o$tions+ then started down the stairs in $ursuit5

Too late+ the Doctor realised what was ha$$ening5 W#se was dragging hi3 along+ crawling across the 4loor5

The# had clattered and *u3$ed down the ste$s 4ro3 the *ridge+ and the Doctor was still holding tight to

the 3ans leg5 W#se was stretching out across towards one o4 the archwa#s5 Towards the gun5

The Doctor hauled hi3 awa#5 But W#se 3anaged to claw *ack a 4ew inches5 His 4ingers were *rushing

against the gun5 %nother 4ew seconds and he would have it5

% 4ace a$$eared close to the Doctors right *eside hi3 on the 4loor5 !ose+ kneeling down and

staring at hi3 urgentl#5

" need the sonic screwdriver+ she said5 She was sna$$ing her 4ingers5 " need it nowJ

The Doctor stared *ack at her5 He glanced at W#se+ at the hand closing on the gun5 !oseJ he said in

anno#ed astonish3ent5

WhatG She glanced where the Doctor had *een looking5 Oh5 Hang on5 With a sigh+ she stood u$+

ste$$ed over the two struggling *odies+ and kicked hard at W#ses hand as he 3anaged to get hold o4 the

gun5

The gun skidded across the 4loor+ through the archwa# and out o4 sight5

!ight5 She was kneeling *eside hi3 again5 Sonic screwdriver5

Melissas got it+ the Doctor 3anaged through clenched teeth5 W#ses 4ist cracked into his aw+ sna$$ing

the Doctors 4ace round5 When he looked *ack+ !ose was gone5

" need it+ !ose $leaded5 >oull have to wait5

" cant5 0reddies d#ing5

Well all die i4 " dont 4inish this+ Melissa said5

!ose swallowed+ tr#ing not to look at Melissas 4ace5 She could gra* the sonic screwdriver+ wrench it

awa# 4ro3 the wo3an and then leg it5 But Melissa was right+ that wouldnt hel$5 But i4 she waited555

Hurr#+ thenJ

Melissa glanced at her5 0or once+ !ose could read ever# nuance o4 her ex$ression5



The huge 3ain cogwheel glistened with oil and grease5 !e$$le walked all round it+ exa3ining ever#

as$ect5 Eas# enough to a3 so3e o4 the s3aller co3$onents5 But i4 this 3ain wheel turned+ it would

*reak through ever#th ing else5 This was where he needed to do the da3age5 Sto$ this wheel and

ever#thing else would grind to a halt5

But there was nothing he could see that he could *e sure would sto$ the wheel5 othing that would

withstand the enor3ous 4orce once it started to 3ove5 %*ove hi3 he heard the 4irst chi3es o4 the

(uarter *ells as ten oclock arrived5 With a 3echanical groan+ the cogwheel *egan slowl# to 3ove+

teeth *iting into the gears and levers it was designed to o$erate5

The noise inside the *el4r# was dea4ening5 !ose could not *egin to i3agine what it would *e like when

Big Ben itsel4 struck in a 4ew seconds5

Melissa handed !ose the sonic screwdriver without co33ent5

>ouve 4inishedG !ose gas$ed in elation *etween the chi3es5

o+ Melissa shouted *ack5 "t is too late5

The air itsel4 see3ed to shudder as Big Ben struck the 4irst chi3e o4 the hour5

!ose ran5 She u3$ed over the struggling 4or3s o4 the Doctor and W#se5 She ignored W#ses

laughter 5 Her thoughts were onl# o4 0reddie5 "t didnt 3atter that ever#one else was a*out to d ie+ that the

world around her was co3ing to an end5 Onl# that she save 0reddie5 0or a 4ew $recious seconds at least5

!oseJ the Doctors voice screa3ed at her *etween the chi3es5 Tell !e$$le to sto$ the

3echanis35 Sto$ the 3ain wheel5 Sto$ it nowJ

There was excite3ent and antici$ation in her ste$s as she hurtled down the stairs 4ull $elt5 ot too late

then+ not #et5 She had to get to !e$$le5 Save 0reddie+ and the world5 Si3$le5

The Doctor was now struggling to esca$e 4ro3 W#se+ not to hold on to hi35 With a shout o4 anger and

deter3ination+ he wrenched hi3sel4 4ree+ rolled over+ lea$ed to his 4eet5 He s$ared Melissa a glance5 She

was still working at the 3echanis3 attached to the ha33er+ scra**ling at it with her long 4ingers in the s$lit

second the ha33er was still *e4ore crashing into the side o4 the *ell as it struck the hour5 Ho$ing to

disa*le W#ses device so that i4 the# survived this ti3e it didnt ust start again when the clock next struck5

Ma#*e she was doing it *ecause there was nothing else she could do5 Or 3a#*e she was con4ident

that the Doctor could still save the35 That $ossi*ilit# o4 her returned trust galvanised hi3+ and with a 4inal

angr# kick at W#se the Doctor raced 4or the stairs5

!ose clattered $ast the clock roo35 "3 co3ing+ 0reddie+ she shouted+ as she ke$t going+ down to the

$risoners roo3 and the 3ain 3echanis35

The huge cogwheel was alread# *eginning to turn5 !e$$le and the Mechanical had torn a$art a se$arate

$iece o4 the 3echanis3 and had a 3etal *ar thrust in *etween the cogs teeth5 But even as !ose

watched+ the *ar sna$$ed+ the *roken end disa$$earing *ehind the cog as i4 *eing eaten *# so3e

industrial 3onster5



>ou have to sto$ itJ she shouted5

Behind her+ another 4igure ran into the roo35 The Doctor5

Oh+ a*out ti3eJ !ose said5 Clutching the sonic screwdriver tightl# like a talis3an+ she turned to run

*ack out+ to go to 0reddie+ her heart $ounding5

But W#se was running down the stairs5 His e#es *urned with anger5 "nstinctivel#+ !ose thrust the sonic

screwdriver at hi3+ ho$ing to drive hi3 *ackwards+ out o4 her wa#5 "nstead+ he held his ground5 He

gra**ed the sonic screwdriver+ tore it 4ro3 her hand and threw it across the roo35

"t clattered along the 4loor + rolling and *ouncing into the heart o4 the 3echanis35 !ose ran *ack+ her

legs a*out to give wa#+ 4eeling sick as she saw it the sonic screwdriver+ resting on a ledge that was one

o4 the teeth o4 the huge cogwheel5 !ising slowl# *ut inexora*l# towards the teeth o4 a s3all wheel5

S3aller+ *ut still ca$a*le o4 crushing the screwdriver to $ieces5

Without thought+ !ose hurled hersel4 a4ter it5 She landed on a rotating $lat4or3 in the 3iddle o4 the

3achiner#5 &#ing on her sto3ach+ *eing slowl# swung towards the teeth o4 the cog+ reaching out 4or

the sonic screwdriver+ ho$ing to $luck it 4ro3 the cogwheel *e4ore it was crushed5

Knowing she would *e too late5

Her ar3 caught on the ragged edge o4 the cog+ her hand closing on the sonic screwdriver *ut

una*le to $ull *ack5 Wrenched $ain4ull# u$wards+ towards the descending 3etal that would crush her

hand and wrist5

%nd the $lat4or3 turned+ *ringing her under the teeth o4 the cog on the other side5 Teeth a*out to *ite

through her as the 4inal se(uence clicked into 3otion and the last chi3es o4 Big Ben 4aded into the night5



E"=H EE

The Mechanical raised its ar35 % *lade sliced through the air+ *ut 3issed W#se as he dived *ack u$ the

stairs outside the roo35 The Mechanical reached the door+ and turned to 4ire again5 But there was a dull

click 4ro3 i ts ar3 as the s$ring activated and 4ound no *lades le4t5

W#se lea$ed to his 4eet5 The Mechanical was on the stairs now+ cutt ing o4 4 W#ses esca$e to his shi$

and 4orcing hi3 u$wards again *ack towards the to$ o4 the tower5

Wait+ the Doctor shouted to the Mechanical5 Hel$ 3e get !oseJ 0ind so3ething to a3 the wheel5

!e$$le was standing *eside the 3achiner#5 He watched the cogwheel click u$wards+ the teeth

3eshing together+ !ose *eing dragged into the closing 3outh o4 iron5 Too late+ Doctor5

He ste$$ed 4orward as the ga$ *egan to close round !oses tra$$ed hand and the sonic

screwdriver5 He leaned as 4ar as he could into the 3echanis35 "n a single 4luid 3otion+ !e$$le $ushed his

hand and ar3 *etween the *iting teeth+ in the slot a*ove where !oses hand was tra$$ed5

The 3achiner# groaned and shuddered5 !e$$le screa3ed5 !ose 3anaged to get to her 4eet as the

$lat4or3 slowed and sto$$ed5 "t clicked 4orward slightl#+ 3aking her stagger5 But her hand was 4ree+ and

she had the sonic screwdriver5 !eaching in $ast !e$$le+ the Doctor gra**ed !ose round the waist and heaved her out5 He looked at

!e$$le+ nodded in thanks+ then ran a4ter W#se5 Hel$ hi3+ he said to the waiting Mechanical as he $assed5

Sto$ the wheel 4ro3 turning5

!ose was $ale and weak5 Thank #ou+ she 3anaged to sa# to !e$$le5

Hel$ 0reddie+ !e$$le gas$ed in re$l#5 The wheel was struggl ing to turn 5 !e$$le was dragged 4urther

into the 3echanis3 as the teeth *it dee$er into his ar35 He shouldnt *e alone5

She hesitated a 3o3ent+ watching as !e$$le was $ulled another ste$ into the 3achiner#5 Wondering

wh# there was no *lood+ wh# instead o4 the crunch o4 *one she could hear the tearing o4 3etal5 Then the

Mechanical gentl# 3oved her aside5 The s$ell *roken+ she turned and ran5

!e$$le looked at the Mechanical5 Do it+ he said+ and closed his e#es against the $ain5

The Mechanical ste$$ed 4orward5 "t gri$$ed !e$$les shoulder 4ir3l# with one gauntlet+ and the to$ o4

his tra$$ed ar3 with the other5

!ose stood in the doorwa# o4 the roo3 a*ove+ sonic screwdriver clutched so hard in her hand that it

hurt5 She stared du3*l# at the trail o4 *lood across the 4loor+ 4ro3 the corner out through the doorwa#



and on to the stairs5 The clock ticked awa# the seconds she stood there5 She knew he could not have

3oved on his own5

But the roo3 was e3$t#5 0reddie was gone5

The Doctor ex$loded into the *el4r#5 He th rew h i3sel4 under the *ells+ rolling across the wooden

$lat4or35

Over here5 The voice was cal35 Melissa was standing *eside Big Ben5 She was holding the re3ains

o4 the device W#se had attached to the ha33er5 She was not looking at the Doctor+ *ut star ing at the

*ack wall o4 the tower+ at the shadows *etween one o4 the arched o$enings5

Where+ at the edge o4 the tower + stood W#se5 He had retrieved the gun5 He was holding it in 4ront o4

the 4rightened 4ace o4 0reddie5 The *o# could hardl# stand5 The Doctor saw the tourni(ue t round his u$$er

thigh+ the *lood e** ing slowl# 4ro3 his scratched leg5 Dri$+ dri$+ dri$5 Second *# second5 &ike the tick o4 a

clock5 He re3e3*ered !oses 4ace close to his+ her urgenc#5 He 4elt suddenl# dead inside5

>ouve lost+ W#se+ the Doctor said5 He ho$ed the tre3ors he 4elt were not echoed in his voice5

" dont think so+ old cha$5 W#se see3ed to have reverted to his $revious gentle3anl# 3anner5 Those

dolts downstairs wont *e a*le to sto$ the 3echanis35 Oh+ the# 3ight slow it down5 =ive it so3ething to

chew on+ as i t were5 But " do 4anc# " can hear it starting u$ again+ dont #ouG

The Doctor could5 There was a whine o4 $ower+ o4 wheels and gears grinding into 3otion+

echoing u$ 4ro3 the ventilation sha4t5 Had Melissa disar3ed itG Would that *e enough i4 she hadG &et the

*o# go+ he said5

Oh no5 " need this little cha$$ie to get 3e out o4 here5 )ast #our 3echanical 4riend on the stairs5

%nd i4 we dont let #ou leaveG Melissa asked5

W#se shook his head in a$$arent disa$$oint3ent5 >ou reall# dont have an# i3agination at all+ do

#ouG he said sadl#5 His 4ace twisted a*ru$tl# into a savage 3ask+ and he dragged 0reddie *ack+ to

the ver# edge o4 the clock tower+ leaning h i3 over5 The *o#s e#es were wide with 4ear+ his 4ace $ale as

$a$er5

"d rather not waste an# 3ore *ullets+ W#se said5 %4ter all+ " 3ight need the3 4or #ou5 He $ulled

0reddie *ack to sa4et#+ though still $erilousl# close to the edge5 Can #ou hear itG he whis$ered5 The

wheels are turning once 3ore5 The $rocess *egins5

The 3assive cogwheel lurched round again5 The re3ains o4 !e$$les ar3 outwardl# hu3an+ still in the

sleeve o4 his acket+ *ut s$illing *rass screws and 4l#wheels crunched under the weight5 %notherlurch+ and the 3achiner# whirred into 3ore health# li4e5

"ts starting again+ !e$$le said5 We need so3ething 3ore su*stantial5 He ste$$ed towards the

wheel+ closing his e#es and stretching out his re3aining ar35

% hand closed heavil# on his good shoulder+ turning hi3 round5 !e$$le o$ened his e#es and saw the

*lank gun3etal 4ace o4 the Mechanical close to his own5 Then the world see3ed to turn u$side down

as he was hurled across the roo3+ awa# 4ro3 the 3achiner#5

The Mechanical watched !e$$le sla3 into the wall and slide to the 4loor5 "t waited ust long enough to



see that he was not da3aged+ *ut stunned enough no t to inter4ere5 Then it turned *ack to the 3ass o4

3achiner#5 "t ste$$ed 4orward and reached inside the wheels and gears as the# *egan to turn 4reel#5 "ts

voice was a 3echanical ras$+ *arel# audi*le a*ove the straining 3echanis35

Even 3achines555 it said5

Then the s(uealing sound o4 tearing 3etal+ o4 straining gears+ o4 3achiner# sla33ing to a halt and

wrenching itsel4 a$art drowned out the rest o4 i ts words5 "4 the# ever ca3e5

The cog rocked slightl#+ straining to 3ove5 Then with a 4inal ex$losion o4 *reaking iron+ its huge

s$indle sna$$ed and the wheel to$$led sidewa#s5 "t crashed down towards !e$$le+ the to$ o4 it

s3acking into the wall a*ove hi35 Metal teeth *iting into the stonework5

Silence5

Exce$t 4or a sound like the ticking o4 a clock5

There was a s3ell o4 *urning5 "n the seconds o4 silence 4ollowing the wrenching+ tearing sound 4ro3

*elow+ W#se had stood o$enF3outhed and astonished5 ow he was livid5 He ai3ed the gun straight at

the Doctor5

oJ !ose ran into the *el4r# and lea$ed across the *ridge over the $lat4or35

W#se turned+ and 4ired at her in one 3ove3ent5 But 0reddie shoved his ar3 u$wards and the shot

3issed5 The *ullet clanged into the inside o4 one o4 the (uarter *ells+ rattling and ricocheting5 The noise

was dea4ening5 !ose cla$$ed her hands over her ears5

Startled and dea4ened+ W#se let go o4 0reddie5 But instead o4 tr#ing to esca$e+ the *o# gra**ed hold

o4 W#se $ushing hi3 *ack towards the edge o4 the tower5

0reddieJ the Doctor shouted as the sound died awa#5

"3 dead an#wa#+ 0reddie said+ his voice strained+ weak+ *ut deter3ined5 %nother ste$ towards the

edge5

o+ 0reddieJ !ose screa3ed at hi35 She ran to gra* hi3+ to $ull hi3 *ack5

W#se teetered on the ver# edge o4 the tower+ then 3anaged to $ush 0reddie roughl# awa#5 !ose

caught the *o# as he staggered and 4ell5 She 4ell with hi35

>ouve lost+ W#se+ the Doctor said5

"ts 4inished+ Melissa agreed5 Too 3an# $eo$le have died 4or #ou+ even here on Earth5

But W#se see3ed to have recovered his co3$osure5 "t was #ou who killed the35

%n accident+ she sna$$ed *ack5 " thought it was worth it5 But " was wrong5 >oure not worth an#ones

li4e5 This is the end5 0or now+ $erha$s+ W#se conceded5 He had the gun ai3ed at !ose as she nursed 0reddie on the

4loor in 4ront o4 hi35 But " can still walk out o4 here5

!ose *arel# heard hi35 She was holding the sonic screwdriver over 0reddie s wounded leg5 What do

" doG she shouted5 The *o#s e#es were closed5 Doctor+ what do " doG

>ou co3e with 3e+ W#se told her5 % 4ar 3ore ro*ust and use4ul hostage+ dont #ou think+ DoctorG

He gave a short laugh5 " take #our (ueen5 Check3ate5

The Doctor did not answer5 He was looking down at the 4loor+ as i4 de$ressed+ as i4 read# to acce$t the



inevita*le5 But !ose could see what he was looking at5 She realised what he was thinking+ what he was

$lanning to do5 %nd ducked5

"t had li3$ed slowl# and silentl# across the $lat4or3 under the *ells+ sli$$ing *etween the Doctors 4eet5

ow the cat was staring at W#se+ its green e#es glea3ing5 The Doctors kick $ro$elled it through the

air+ straight at W#se5 Straight at the 3ans head claws out+ hissing with anger5

W#se gave a startled cr#5 He took a ste$ *ackwards and threw u$ his ar3s to $ro tect h i3se l4 as

the cats e#es glowed weakl#5 The claws raked down his hand and the gun 4ell 4orgotten at his 4eet5

The cat snarled 3outh o$en wide+ shar$ teeth *ared5 "t clawed and tore at W#se+ latching on to his

collar and ri$$ing at his 4ace5 He had the cat round the neck+ dragging it clear+ tr#ing to avoid the

4lailing $aws5

But too late5 %lread# o44 *alance+ the cats renewed attack drove hi3 *ack+ to the edge o4 the tower5 He

was caught 4or the *rie4est instant+ one tick o4 the clock+ on the *rink5 Then he was to$$ ling *ackwards+

screa3ing+ 4alling5 The cats 4ace was close to his own5 The air rushing $ast the3+ tearing the *reath

4ro3 hi35

The cats e#es 4ixed on W#ses terri4ied realisation as he 4ell through the 4og5 "ts voice was a 3etallic

scra$e+ like the $rotesting gears o4 a *roken 3echanis35

=ot #ouJ the cat said5



"E EE

Melissa was wearing her ha$$# 4ace when she said good*#e5 )resu3a*l# she thought it was

a$$ro$riate5 !ose didnt5

We re3ained undetected and " have co3$leted 3# 3ission+ she ex$lained si3$l#5

Des$ite losing #our crew+ !e$$le $ointed out5

She shrugged5 The# were ust Mechanicals5 But there was a hint o4 regret in her voice5 !e$$le did not

re$l#5

&uck# the cat was there+ !ose said5

"t was a *lack cat+ the Doctor $ointed out5 Though " did have a deal to o44er W#se i4 all else 4ailed5

>ou knew how to $ower u$ his shi$G Melissa asked in sur$rise5

The Doctor shook his head5 " was going to give hi3 #ours5

" shall 3iss this strange $lanet with its ugl#Flooking $eo$le+ Melissa con4essed as she and the Doctor

shook hands on the E3*ank3ent5

The# wont all 3iss #ou5 She inclined her head+ $erha$s in sorrow5 assil# is dead+ she said (uietl#+ and " have destro#ed his

*od#5 " have succeeded+ *ut it was not wor th the cost5 !ose and !e$$le watched 4ro3 the other side

o4 the road5

The three o4 the3 stood together a 4ew 3inutes later+ watching as the sur4ace o4 the Tha3es

see3ed to heave u$wards5 The slick+ dark sha$e o4 Melissas shi$ detached itsel4 4ro3 the water and

li4ted soundlessl# into the night sk#5 "t $aused over their heads+ as i4 *idding 4arewell+ then with a streak

o4 i3$ossi*l# *right light it was gone5

One 3ore o* to do+ the Doctor said5 The# walked to Sir =eorges house in silence5

!e$$le waited 4or the3 outside5 The Doctor let !ose do the talking5 Sir =eorge sat silentl# listening+ his

hands c las$ed tightl# in his la$ and his 4ace $ale as death5

He was a hero+ !ose said5 He reall# was5 He saved us all+ several ti3es5 He was so555 She couldnt think

o4 the words and looked awa#5

Sir =eorge leaned 4orward and $ut his hand over !oses5 >es+ he was5 Such enthusias3+ such love o4

li4e5 Such a willingness to hel$5 %lwa#s wanting to hel$ in the house+ the garden+ the kitchen5 He s3iled



sadl#5 Drives his 3other $ott#+ #ou know5 o wonder she worries a*out hi3 so5

She will *e all rightG !ose asked (uietl#5

Sir =eorge nodded5 "3 sure she will5 Shes ver# strong+ #ou know5 But she s *een through a lot in

her li4e5 &ike 0reddie5

"3 sorr#+ the Doctor said (uietl#5 "t was the 4irst ti3e he had s$oken since the# arrived5

Thats all right+ Doctor+ Sir =eorge said5 Well *e 4ine now5 %nd #ou never know555 He stood u$

and shook the Doctors hand5 "t 3ight have shocked so3e sense into the *o#5 He s3iled weakl#5 The

s3ile turned to a look o4 sur$rise as !ose hugged hi3 tight5 " sa#+ stead# on5

There were tears on her cheeks when she ste$$ed awa#5 =ive 0reddie our love+ wont #ou5 %nd %nna5

He 3a# not re3e3*er that we said good*#e5

"ndeed " will5 Sir =eorge glanced u$wards as he s$oke5

%nd in the roo3 a*ove+ a 3other sat on her sons *ed+ holding his $ale+ cold hand5 She cried

soundless tears5 Tears o4 relie4 and o# as she 4elt ever# weak rh#th3 o4 his $ulse5 Tears that *eca3e

so*s as he o$ened his e#es+ and 3anaged to s3ile5

Then his e#es closed again and he sle$t on $eace4ull# drea3ing o4 clocks and cats and cogwheels5

%nd o4 how he had *een a hero5

The reassuring *lue sha$e o4 the T%!D"S was standing at the *ack o4 Melissas house5 ust as she had

$ro3ised5

"3 sur$rised #ou trusted her+ !ose said5

The Doctor clicked his tongue5 >ouve no 4aith5 He turned to !e$$le5 =ood*#e+ then5

!e$$le reached out to shake 4irst the Doctors hand+ then !oses5

" like the new ar3+ she said5 %nd thanks5 >ou know5 She held on to his hand 4or a 3o3ent5 "t was like the

gauntlet o4 a 3edieval ar3oured knight5 The 4ingers were ointed 3etal+ the hand was sti44 and cold5 His

ar3 was $lain gun3eta l+ attached ex$ertl#+ the Doctor clai3ed $roudl# to the shoulder5

Exce$t that !ose couldnt see the ar3+ *ecause it was hidden *eneath !e$$les new coat5 % *attered

*rown leather acket5

"ts no good to 3e+ the Doctor had sighed5 Stitchings co3ing a$art5

When she let go+ !e$$le li4ted u$ his hand in 4ront o4 his 4ace+ ins$ecting it5 Behind his ex$ressionless

4ace !ose knew was a 3ass o4 cogs and gears and s$rockets5 "t was hard to *elieve5 He see3ed so

ordinar#5 So hu3an5

" dont think the $revious owner will *e needing the ar3 *ack+ the Doctor reassured hi35 Sorr# itsnot 3ore in kee$ing5

Thank #ou+ Doctor5 He 4lexed his 4ingers+ then let the ar3 dro$ to his side5 "t re3inds 3e o4 who "

reall# a35

The %ls gone+ the Doctor said5 Burned out and disintegrated5 So theres nothing to sto$ #ou leaving+

assu3ing there ever reall# was5 We can give #ou a li4t+ i4 #ou want+ he o44ered5

Where toG This is the onl# ho3e " have5

The Doctor nodded5 See #ou then5



>oull do all right+ !ose said5 He#+ i4 #oure still around in eight# #ears or so+ co3e and visit 3e5

Thank #ou5 )erha$s " will5 He ste$$ed *ack+ and sur$rised !ose *# sna$$ing a salute5

Dont get lonel#+ she said5

The Doctor o$ened the door o4 the T%!D"S+ and she 4ollowed hi3 inside5

The *lue *ox 4aded 4ro3 realit# with a grating+ ras$ing sound5 0or a 3o3ent the e3$t# outline o4 the

T%!D"S was sta3$ed in the gathering 4og5

!e$$le stood watching the sha$e *lur and 4ade as the 3ist dri4ted across5 Then+ with a *arel#

$erce$ti*le whirr o4 internal gears+ he turned and walked *ack to the 4ront o4 the house5

He $aused in the glow o4 a street light+ listening to the *reee ru44le the autu3n leaves and the

distant chi3es o4 Big Ben5 He i3agined he could 4eel that *reee on his 4ace+ that he could s3ell the stink

o4 the river5 %nd he tri ed to ignore the rh#th3ic ticking that ke$t hi3 constant co3$an#5 He waited 4or

the *lack cat that wandered lail# down the road to catch hi3 u$5 "t regarded hi3 curiousl# through dee$+

e3erald e#es5

The 4irst traces o4 dawn were scattered across the sk#line+ silhouett ing the )alace o4 West3inster+ as

the two o4 the3 started their ourne#5



%cknowledge3ents

" a3 inde*ted to a nu3*er o4 $eo$le who have hel$ed with this novel+ and thank the3 all5

"n $articular+ " should 3ention ever#one who is involved in the $roduction o4 the new series o4

Doctor Who + *ut es$eciall# !ussell T Davies 4or his hel$+ advice+ encourage3ent and contagious

enthusias3 and scri$t editors Helen !a#nor and Elwen !owlands+ who have ke$t 3e honest and

$rovided invalua*le insight into the characters o4 the Doctor and !ose5

M# editor+ Steve Cole+ has continued to work wonders+ 3aking 3e look good in $rint and $roviding

s#3$ath#+ 4riendshi$+ and *eer5 Working with hi3 and with 'ac !a#ner on these novels has *een a la*our

o4 love in the *est sense5

%nd 4inall#+ " 3ust thank 3# M)+ 'a3es )laskitt+ 4or arranging a guided tour o4 the clock tower at

the )alace o4 West3inster5 "nside it is $rett# 3uch as " descri*e it+ though " have 3ade so3e s3all

changes 4or dra3atic reasons there is+ 4or exa3$le Pand so 4ar as " could tellQ+ no in4ernal alien device

read# to 4r# the Earths at3os$here5



%*out the author

'ustin !ichards is the Creative Director 4or the BBC Books Doctor Who series+ and has written a 4air 4ew

o4 the3 hi3sel45 %s well as writing 4or stage+ screen and audio+ he is the author o4 The "nvisi*le Detective

novels 4or children5 His novel 4or older children+ The Death Collector+ will *e $u*lished in /--85

'ustin lives in Warwick+ with a lovel# view o4 the 4a3ous castle *ut no cat5 Being 3arried with two

children+ his li4e is never dull and never runs like clockwork5



% so available 4ro3 BBC Books

DOCTOR · WHO

Monsters and Billains

B# 'ustin !ichards

"SB - 189 6,89/ 1

AK R;577 AS ./577<.1577 CD

0or over 4ort# #ears+ the Doctor has *attled against the 3ost dangerous 3onsters and villains in the universe5

This *ook *rings together the *est or rather the worst o4 his ene3ies5

Discover wh# the Daleks were so deadl#I how the >eti invaded &ondonI the secret o4 the &och ess MonsterI

and how the C#*er3en have survived5 &earn who the Master was+ and a*ove all how the Doctor de4eated

the3 all5

Whether #ou read it on or *ehind the so4a+ this *ook $rovides a wealth o4 in4or3ation a*out the

3onsters and villains that have 3ade Doctor Who the tre3endous success it has *een over the #ears+ and

the galactic $heno3enon that it is toda#5



"n .7/-s &ondon the Doctor and !ose 4ind the3selves caught

u$ in the hunt 4or a 3#sterious 3urderer5 But not ever#thing

is what it see3s5 Secrets lie *ehind locked doors and

inhu3an killers roa3 the streets5

Who is the )ainted &ad# and wh# is she so interested in the

DoctorG How can a cat return 4ro3 the deadG Can an#one *e

trusted to tell or even to know the truthG

With the 4aceless killers closing in+ the Doctor and !ose

3ust solve the 3#ster# o4 the Clockwise Man *e4ore &ondon

itsel4 is destro#ed 555

DOCTOR · WHO

Featuring the Doctor and Rose as played byChristopher Eccleston and Billie Piper in the hit

series fro BBC Tele!ision"

0"CT"O

AK R8F77 AS .. 77<.6 77 CD

doctor who: the clockwise man (justin richards) (v1.0)

Documents