Doctor Who: The Invasion by Ian Marter Read Free Book Online Page B

Three,' he instructed.
    Then he turned to a tall, dark-haired young officer at the Situation Map. 'Captain Turner, as soon as we're on blocks get aboard a chopper and rendezvous with Section Three tracking agents,' he shouted above the engines as they revved at reverse pitch to slow the heavy plane. 'We'll play it by ear for a bit so keep your nose out of trouble.'
    'Yes, sir,' snapped Turner with a crisp salute. 'Should the Doctor contact us for help I'll have him connected directly to you.'
    Turner strode away towards the huge cargo bay at the rear, briskly snapping instructions right and left.
    The Brigadier studied the brightly coloured Situation Map for a long time, occasionally breaking off to receive a report or to issue a string of orders to the widely spread and versatile forces under his overall command.
    At last Captain Turner came through, shouting above the din of the helicopter engine on the radiotelephone. 'They've just gone through the IE Compound gates, sir. They seem to be heading for the Factory Complex.'
    The Brigadier's calm exterior betrayed a brief tremor of excitement. 'Circle the area but keep out of sight, Jimmy,' he advised.
    'If you're spotted it might make things worse for our two friends. We can't do anything until we get a request for assistance.'
    He signed off and took a sip of cold tea from his chipped mug.
    'After all, this is all rather unofficial...' he murmured wryly to himself.
    The Doctor remained silent during the short high-speed drive out of London, his eyes fixed steadfastly on the disturbing International Electromatix symbol on the pennant flying from the front wing of the enormous white Rolls Royce.
    'The train with the empty containers will not arrive for some time,' Vaughn informed him as they drew up in front of what appeared to be a smaller version of the Company's City headquarters.
    'Meanwhile, I'd rather like to talk to you about those fascinating circuits you left with me.'
    At the door of his private elevator in the foyer, Vaughn turned to his Deputy. 'Packer, be so good as to see what progress Professor Watkins is making,' he purred. 'You might even offer him a little gentle encouragement.' Then he ushered his visitors up to the top floor.
    As they walked into the spacious, functional office Jamie whistled in astonishment. 'It's just like your London office,' he exclaimed.
    Vaughn chuckled amiably. 'Confusing, isn't it?' He motioned them to sit down in the stylish chairs facing his desk. 'It's the secret of my success, Doctor - standardisation and uniformity.'
    'Mass production,' remarked the Doctor with obvious distaste.
    Jamie hovered by the huge window, staring down between the vertical louvres at the complex of large factory buildings spread below. Steam and smoke rose everywhere and a distant humming sounded constantly.
    'The essence of efficiency, Doctor.' Vaughn said expansively.
    The Doctor smiled blandly back at him, giving nothing away.
    'I should be angry with you both,' Vaughn went on. 'You have thwarted my security system twice. Why?'
    The Doctor shrugged casually. 'It's quite simple, Mr Vaughn. I detest computers and I refuse to be controlled by them.'
    'Your young friend Zoe appears to feel the same. She completely destroyed one of our reception installations.'
    Jamie spun round. 'So that's why your bully boys got hold of her and Isobel,' he blurted out.
    Vaughn turned to him with an offended smile. 'My dear young man, on the contrary I found the incident quite amusing. She's a remarkable girl,' he turned back to the Doctor. 'And you, Doctor, are a remarkable man.'
    The Doctor blushed. 'Why do you say that?' he inquired modestly.
    Vaughn took the two circuit panels from the TARDIS from his inner pocket and laid them on the desk. 'Our Research Department found these baffling. Their structure seems totally illogical. Did you invent them yourself?'
    The Doctor remained enigmatically silent.
    Vaughn stood up, cleverly concealing his frustration. 'So you are