Doctor Who: Target - Novelisations [007] - The Brain of Morbius by Terrance Dicks

Author:Terrance Dicks
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction - Doctor Who
ISBN: 9780426116745
Publisher: Target Books
Published: 1983-05-14T22:00:00+00:00

7

Solon’s Trap

Although Sarah, of course, couldn’t see them, delicate electronic connections ran from the brain to instruments in the side of the tank. Solon’s scientific genius had preserved Morbius in a kind of ghastly pseudo-life. Nutrients in the tank kept the brain alive. Complex electronic circuitry enabled the brain to hear and converted its electric impulses into speech. But the brain could not see, and it could not feel. The whole of physical life, touch, taste, sight, smell, awareness of light, heat, cold… all these were gone.

On the Earth in Sarah’s time, scientists had conducted experiments into something called ‘sensory deprivation’. Subjects had floated in a tank of warm fluid, wearing suits and helmets that cut off all sensation. They could see nothing, hear nothing, feel nothing. Deprived of ‘input’ of all the millions of signals we constantly receive from the world about us, the subjects had begun to have hallucinations, to lose all sense of time and place, and eventually to go mad.

Something like this was happening to Morbius. Thanks to Solon’s electronic devices he was able to hear and speak. But the loss of all other sensory functions, of all his physical being, was beginning to upset the balance of his mind. The waiting time in this limbo of non-existence had gone on too long, and Morbius was now perilously close to madness.

This very thought was occupying Solon’s mind, as he hurried down, the stairs towards the crypt. Even if he did eventually succeed in providing the brain of Morbius with a physical body – would the creature that resulted be the once great leader he had revered? Or would he have created an insane monster?

His thoughts were interrupted by voices from in-side the door of the crypt. ‘Honestly,’ Sarah was saying. ‘I really don’t know what you’re talking about…’

Solon flung open the door in a rage. ‘You! What are you doing down here, girl?’

By now Sarah was so frightened that she was almost glad of Solon’s arrival. ‘I heard this voice,’ she stammered. ‘I only came down to see if I could help.’

‘Nobody is allowed down here. Nobody!’ shrieked Solon. ‘You could have done untold damage to my most delicate equipment. Now, get out…’

He grabbed Sarah and dragged her to the door. The voice from the tank boomed, ‘Solon!’ Solon gave Sarah a final shove that sent her staggering into the corridor. He turned to face his master, moving nearer to the tank.

Sarah heard the voice say, ‘Solon, you have lied to me!’

Then Solon’s quick denial. ‘Lied? I have never lied to you, my lord Morbius.’

Sarah gasped. ‘Morbius!’ Somehow he was alive, and in that room. She crept nearer to the door.

Morbius said angrily, ‘You told me we were alone here.’

‘The Doctor and the girl returned but a short time ago. If you could see the Doctor’s head, Morbius! It is perfect for our purpose. As soon as I have it, I shall begin the final operation.’

‘If the head is suitable, Solon, why have you not already taken it?’

‘This Doctor is cunning.

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