Lethbridge-Stewart - Mutually Assured Domination: A Doctor Who spin-off series. by Nick Walters

Author:Nick Walters [Walters, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sf
Publisher: Candy Jar Books
Published: 2015-11-23T23:00:00+00:00

Their arrival back at The White Hart caused quite a commotion. Word had somehow got round about their caving expedition, and Lethbridge-Stewart was beset with questions, mainly about the whereabouts and wellbeing of Ian Cawdery (no one seemed to care about the fate of Harold Chorley).

Mike and Emma had retreated to a corner table and were trying, and failing, not to be noticed. A whiskery old chap had joined them and was chattering gibberish that seemed to both confuse and alarm them. Lethbridge-Stewart found himself in the bar surrounded by a throng of well-oiled locals (it was now near last orders) all of whom were glaring suspiciously at him.

‘Where’s Ian? What have you done with Ian?’ The question came from a ruddy-faced individual chewing on a roll-up.

‘Yeah, what have you done with Ian?’ said another.

There were shouts of agreement that had a dangerously aggressive edge. The last thing Lethbridge-Stewart needed was to inform this rabble about the death of their fellow drinker. They’d probably storm up to Dominex with blazing torches.

Time to take control. He raised his hands. ‘Silence!’

Silence fell, from the look on their faces more out of surprise than obedience. Before anyone had a chance to speak up, Lethbridge-Stewart went on.

‘I am Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and I am leading an investigation in this area, the details of which are at present classified.’

‘It’s Dominex, ain’t it?’ shouted the red-faced fellow.

‘That information is classified.’

Roars of disbelief and anger. Lethbridge-Stewart’s head throbbed. He was tired and hurt. He needed to recuperate, but first, he had to get things under control.

‘What about Ian? You went down the caves with him, we all know that. And now he’s missing! Like his brother!’

‘The location of Mr Cawdery is classified,’ said Lethbridge-Stewart.

There was an uproar, which he let surge around the crowded bar for a few moments. Then someone shouted, ‘We’ll call the police! Someone go get Sergeant Samuels!’

‘I urge you not to call the police!’ Lethbridge-Stewart shouted. ‘I will talk to your Sergeant Samuels in the morning to ensure he is fully briefed. But this is a military operation, under military jurisdiction. I am the officer in charge, and the situation is under my control.’

‘You declaring martial law?’ asked the red-faced chap, leaning so close to Lethbridge-Stewart that he could smell his beery breath.

‘If the situation demands it, then martial law may be an option. At present–’ More shouting. Lethbridge-Stewart raised his voice. ‘At present, let’s just all calm down, go home and get a good night’s sleep.’

‘Not until you tell us what’s happened to Ian. And your journalist friend!’

An expectant silence fell. No way out of this. A version of the truth would have to suffice. ‘Both are missing, presumed dead.’

Gasps and cries of incredulity.

‘What? How? What’s killed them?’ said the red-faced fellow.

‘Don’t say it’s classified!’ someone else shouted.

‘It’s that Dominex lot!’ cried another.

‘Silence, please!’ Lethbridge-Stewart waited for the clamour to die down once more. ‘They accompanied me on a mission into the caves to investigate reports of illegal activities. We were met by enemy forces and were attacked.

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