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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] one of the files on Hensell s desk. If you really did the best you could, perhaps we should assign an able-bodied man to your position and reassign you to work you can manage. Cleaning nut the garbage, for example. Valmar s face flushed, Clenching his fists threateningly, he took a step forward. Bragen s face twisted in a sneer. You re one second away from prison, my friend, he said softly. Be very careful. The two men locked gazes. Valmar was the first to look away. Then he turned to leave once more. Remember, Bragen called after his retreating back, in future I ll be watching you, Valmar. Now, get out. The door slammed behind the technician. The Doctor studied the Deputy Governor with interest. Finding your feet, are you? What do you mean? Bragen demanded, annoyed. Wearing a new uniform and a new attitude? There s too much of an easy-going attitude in this colony, Bragen snapped back. Quinn fostered one. But I m bringing in new methods. Smartening things up. That means a certain amount of control. Ben grunted. You won t get better work out of people by bullying them. People need leadership, Bragen said. Indeed, the Doctor agreed. But it all depends on what kind of leadership. You may discover that your brand is more unpopular than Hensell s. Bragen sat down at the desk and picked up the next file. Then he forced a smile on to his face. If you wish to criticize the Governor, you had better save it for your report Examiner. At that second, a Dalek moved smoothly into the room. The Doctor and Ben stared at it in a mixture of astonishment and confusion. It was disarmed, and attached to its sucker-stick was a metal tray. On the tray was a glass of some liquid, with ice cubes chinking in it. So, the Doctor breathed. you ve given the Daleks the run of the colony, have you? Why not? Bragen asked. They re harmless, and I assure you that they make splendid servants. Ignoring the Doctor s snort of derision. Bragen reached out and took the drink from the tray. The Dalek s eye-stick swivelled to take in the Doctor and Ben. Shall I bring liquid for your visitors? it asked. No, Bragen replied. As the Dalek moved smoothly back across the room, Bragen smiled at the Doctor. I know you won t be here much longer. He took a sip from his drink. I wouldn t count on that if I were you He slumped down into one of the chairs, then glanced thoughtfully at the Dalek. I wonder how long they can keep moving around on these floors? They re not metal... Ben stared from Bragen to the Doctor anxiously. We can t stay here, he said. He nodded at Bragen. If this character won t help us, we ve got to look for Pol ourselves. Rather than taking offence. Bragen smiled. That s good advice, he told the Doctor. Especially since there appears to be no evidence. This was too much for Ben. No evidence? he yelled, leaning across the desk dangerously. Bragen jerked sharply backwards. What about that letter, then? What more do you want? Bragen dismissed the subject. Only you saw it delivered. Only you claim that your friend is missing. Naturally, I m supposed to take your word for it that this isn t some sort of scheme to keep my men occupied while the rebels act. He gave them an insincere smile. I m doing all that I can under the circumstances. Why, you Ben looked as if he were ready to launch himself across the mirrored surface of the desk and straight at Bragen s throat. The Doctor grabbed hold of him hastily. No, Ben, he hissed in his companion s ear. This isn t the answer. Calming, Ben gave a curt nod. You re right. He isn t worth it, Doctor. Bragen glared at them both. Goodbye Doctor, he said. Examiner, the Doctor corrected. He led Ben away from the desk. Understand this, Bragen called from behind them. The only reason you re not in prison as suspects is because the rebels have to be dealt with and I haven t the time to bother with you. But make trouble and you ll get trouble. Thank you, the Doctor replied, without turning. To Ben, he added: Interesting isn t it, that now he s Deputy Governor the rebels have suddenly become worth bothering about? I don t care about the rebels, Ben said. I just want to find Pol right now. The Doctor gave him a thoughtful look. The two might not be as far apart as you seem to think, Ben. As Bragen tried to compose himself after the Doctor s visit, his comm unit buzzed. Trying to mask his annoyance at the further interruption, Bragen scooped up the handset and flicked on the screen. An image of Hensell flickered at first, then settled down. It was obvious from the background tunnel that he was at one of the mine sites. Ah, there you are, Bragen, Hensell snapped. Clearly the talks were not going well. Thank heavens the communications are working again. Let me have your report, man; I m very busy here. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |