Doctor Who: Target - Novelisations [129] - The Underwater Menace by Nigel Robinson

Author:Nigel Robinson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction - Doctor Who
ISBN: 9780491034968
Publisher: Target Books
Published: 1988-08-14T22:00:00+00:00

6

The Voice Of Amdo

Professor Zaroff looked down with disdain at the little figure of the Doctor clad in the priestly robes which were too big for him. When he spoke his voice was full of contempt.

‘I thought you were a scientist, Doctor,’ he said. ‘But you are just a little man after all. You disappoint me.’

‘You disappoint me, Zaroff,’ retorted the Doctor and indicated the black-suited guards who now held him and Ramo. ‘I didn’t think a man of science would need the backing of thugs like this.’

Zaroff took the point, but said, ‘Have a care, Doctor. Your life is in the balance.’

‘Only my life, Zaroff?’ he asked, craftily seizing on Zaroffs words. ‘Do you mean you haven’t told your own people what is in store for them? Are you afraid, Zaroff?’

The Doctor’s words found their mark, and for a moment Zaroff hesitated, unsure of what to say. He realised what a danger the Doctor could still pose to him.

Finally he said, ‘I have obviously made a grave mistake, Doctor. If I hadn’t interfered with the temple sacrifice the sharks would have torn you apart… But it’s not too late. I shall return you to Lolem and tell him that I need you no longer.’ He glanced over to Ramo. ‘And he can have this stupid priest as well.’

‘No!’ the Doctor cried out. ‘You have no quarrel with Ramo. I persuaded him to help me; I am the only one to blame.’

Ramo shook his head, waiving the Doctor’s protests. He looked Zaroff in the eye; in that look were years of suppressed hatred. ‘That is not true,’ he said evenly. ‘I have always distrusted you and your science, Zaroff.’

Zaroff snorted contemptuously. ‘Take them away,’ he ordered the guards.

Ramo spat at Zaroffs feet. ‘The curse of Amdo be on you always,’ he said before being led away.

The Professor ignored the priest’s curse and turned to the Doctor. ‘Have a pleasant journey.’

‘Let’s not say goodbye, Professor. We will be meeting each other again.’

The scientist laughed off the Doctor’s words. ‘Not in this world, Doctor,’ he said, triumphant in his rival’s final defeat. When the great double doors had been closed on the Doctor and Rama, Zaroff turned back to Thous. ‘As always there is nothing to worry about,’ he said to the old King who had remained oddly silent throughout the whole confrontation.

‘And there is absolutely no truth whatsoever in the little man’s claims?’ Thous’s voice was unsteady; had the Doctor sown seeds of doubt in his mind?

Zaroff grasped the King’s arm. ‘Have I not sworn to you that my Project will raise Atlantis from the sea again?’ he asked fervently. ‘Haven’t I? Haven’t I?’

The King said nothing; instead he looked into Zaroffs wide staring eyes.

‘What is it?’ asked Zaroff, disturbed. ‘What is it?’

‘Nothing,’ said Thous thoughtfully. ‘Nothing at all…’

In the robing room the Doctor and Ramo had been stripped of their priestly apparel. Ramo was now wearing only a short tunic, and the Doctor his normal scruffy clothes.

With their hands tied

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