Doctor Who PDA45 - Bullet Time (7th) by David A. McIntee

Author:David A. McIntee
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-07-13T02:44:11+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Proof Denies Faith

Kwai Chung container terminal is the largest in the world. The expanse of freight containers is as a large and mechanistic as a decent-sized new town. Containers of myriad different colours are piled several storeys high in batches that cover the floor space of city blocks. Streets run between large batches, and alleys further subdivide them. You could probably house all Britain's homeless in the place, with plenty of room left over.

The port authority's press spokesman had driven Sarah around it, explaining how the place worked and reeling off statistics like a professor of mathematics. Much of the information had been dull, much had been interesting, and Sarah had taken enough notes to write a genuine article.

She was pleased with that; a little extra income never hurt.

When they got back to the gatehouse complex and offices, Sarah was glad to stretch her legs. She put on her best doe-eyed smile. 'Look, you've been awfully helpful, and I know I've got enough material for a good story, but'

'If there's anything else I can do for you' the spokesman offered magnanimously. Like most Chinese officials, he obviously took the view that giving people what they wanted gained him face.

'Well, it might be a little naughty, but do you think I could have a walk round? Just to really appreciate the scale of the place.'

The spokesman hesitated. 'I'm not sure. Obviously this is a customs area and security is very important'

'I can hardly steal anything with this' She indicated her small handbag' and it would be very good publicity for you.'

'Well'

'Oh, thanks ever so much,' she grinned disarmingly. 'I'll be very careful.'

Then she hurried round the nearest corner before he could refuse. There were no sounds of pursuit so she thought that he was probably in favour of allowing her to walk. She was also sure he'd have someone follow her to keep an eye on her, but didn't mind. She appreciated the necessity of maintaining security in a customs area, and had no intention of breaking any laws.

Which wasn't to say breaking the law might not become necessary anyway.

She took a folded paper from her handbag. It was a crude map, drawn by one of Tsang's people, indicating the location of the Pimms area of the terminal. Orienting herself almost instantly, she started walking in earnest.

Music of a sort was in the air as the flight surgeon entered Chiu's workspace. The sound was a passable, if flat, impression of a vocal harmony. Chiu made an adjustment on his clipboard, and the sound changed slightly. "The computer can never quite generate the equivalent quality of a live vocal performance,' the flight surgeon whispered. 'But it is enough to know when a composition is working.'

Chiu nodded and switched off the sound. 'Do you compose, when you're off duty?' he asked.

'No. I sculpt, for preference. But I have not been off duty since -'

'I know. As ranking officer of this expedition, I have been neglecting my duties.'

'In what way?' As far as

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