Doctor Who: Virgin Missing Adventures [001] - Goth Opera by Paul Cornell

Author:Paul Cornell
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction - Doctor Who
ISBN: 9780426204183
Publisher: Doctor Who Books
Published: 1994-09-13T22:00:00+00:00

Six

Romana was walking back to her new quarters, she bumped into a fellow Time Lady who was hurrying round a corner.

They exchanged apologies and Romana studied her new acquaintance with interest. She was tall and straight-backed, wearing a neat black trouser-suit and a silver belt. Fashions must have changed since Romana was last on Gallifrey. She had sharp inquisitive features, scraped-back hair and she wore a necklace of golden spheres.

‘Ruathadvorophrenaltid,’ she said formally, adding as one did if one was prepared to be friendly, ‘Ruath.’

‘Romanadvoratrelundar,’ said Romana. ‘Romana.’

‘I was hurrying to see the Doctor,’ said Ruath. ‘I heard he’d had an encounter with some vampires, and vampirism is a particular study of mine.’

‘I’m afraid you’ve missed the Doctor,’ said Romana. ‘But perhaps I can help? I spent quite a lot of time on the vampire planet myself.’

‘Oh, really? You know, that would be a help. Could you spare some time to help me complete my research notes?’

‘Of course. When would suit you?’

‘I’m not busy at the moment.’

Romana smiled. ‘Well, let’s talk while my memories are still fresh, then. Would you care for a cup of synthetic artificial tea replacement? I’m afraid it’s all I’ve got at the moment.’

Ruath inclined her head. ‘That would be very nice.’

‘So what’s your interest in vampirism?’ Romana moved cautiously around the food preparation area in the new quarters she’d been assigned by President Flavia, trying hard not to wince at the colour scheme. She’d have to adjust the contrast knob on the place as soon as she had a moment.

Ruath had seated herself on a plastic lounger and had taken a tiny holo-recorder from her belt pouches. ‘I’m writing the definitive history. Everything you ever wanted to know about the species.’

‘But were too afraid to ask.’ Romana popped her head back into the hospitality area. ‘One lump or two?’

‘Erm, lump of what?’

‘Tea.’

‘One, thank you. What is tea, exactly?’

‘Human beings drink it. It’s a dangerous intoxicant to them, but quite harmless to us Time Ladies.’ She popped back, and reappeared with two cups of steaming liquid on a tray.

Ruath took one. ‘It’s true that I did want to ask you about vampires, but I have to ask… you are the Romana that helped battle Agonal in the Tomb of Rassilon, aren’t you? The Capitol’s full of the gossip.’

‘Oh, it was nothing,’ Romana grinned. ‘The Doctor did most of the work, I just stood back and thought of Rassilon.’

‘But how did you get to the Tomb in the first place? Surely there are all those complicated games to get past, if the children’s tales are true?’

‘There’s a very simple way there, actually, straight from the President’s Office.’

‘Really?’ Ruath put down her cup and clicked another control on her belt.

When her hand reappeared, it had a staser pistol in it. ‘Show me.’

‘Oh, not you as well…’ Romana sipped her tea, frowning at the pistol.

‘There’s not much villainy left to be done over there, you know. Everybody’s had a go.’

‘It’s not the Tomb I’m interested in,’ Ruath told her. ‘It’s something on the way.

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