Part 20 (1/2)

She'd seen enough nonhuman technology to recognize it when she saw it.

So why was there a red stencil on the side saying EMERGENCY TRANSPONDER?

She put the device back in amongst the socks and pushed the drawer shut.

In the cupboard, in a plastic bag, there was a strange uniform. She unzipped the bag a little, felt the strange fabric between her fingertips, caught a distant smell of aftershave and smoke.

She slipped back into the bookshop moments before the proprietor appeared at the top of the stairs.

A few more minutes, and she'd drive back to the base and see how they were getting on. She'd have to organize a raid on this place, and soon, before they worked out what was going on and took off. There was plenty of room at the base. Room enough for everyone.

15 Interlude, With Tabby

'You know, Wolsey,' said Jason, 'I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.'

16 Belling the cat

Roz caught up with the Doctor as he was about to get into Albinex's car. She put her hand on the door before he could close it. 'Right,' she said. 'Exactly what are you up to?'

The Time Lord looked up at her from the driver's seat.

'I'm borrowing Albinex's car to look for Chris,' he said. 'Then I'll come with you,' she said, starting to walk to the pa.s.senger side.

The Doctor got out and waved his hands at her over the roof. 'Wait a moment, Roz,' he said. She gave him one of her best glares.

'Listen,' he said. 'You were right. Everything that's happened hasn't been coincidence. Someone noticed my arrival. And now they're trying to get my attention.'

'By stealing people.'

'And the TARDIS.'

'I hope,' said Roz, leaning on the roof, 'that this isn't one of your brilliant let-the-baddie-bash-me-up schemes.'

The Doctor couldn't help but smile. 'No, it's more of an ifthey-want-me-let-them-come-and-get-me scheme.'

'I'm not sure I can see the difference.' Roz swung herself into the pa.s.senger seat. The Doctor ducked his head and blinked at her across the driver's seat.

'You know, there was a story they told us once at the Academy. Something for the cadets to think about. Once upon a time the mice decided they'd have to put a bell on the local cat, so they'd hear her coming.'

'Yes,' said the Doctor. 'I've met the author.'

'So you know the ending. None of the mice would volunteer to confront the cat and put the bell on its collar.

Because who wants to get eaten? None of this is your fault.'

'I should have got involved,' he said, 'instead of going off in a huff.'

'Well, you're involved now,' she said. 'For G.o.ddess'

sake, get in the d.a.m.ned car.'

'You're kind...' said Myn Jareshth.

Benny smiled at him from the big chair, looking up from the magazine she was totally failing to read.

The alien had simply sat there for ages, not looking at anything in particular. Politely, patiently, waiting.

'You and your father are brave,' he said softly.

'Believe me,' said Benny, 'it doesn't take a lot of courage to handle the babysitting end of the job.'

Myn Jareshth tipped his head, not understanding. 'You're brave,' he repeated. 'To stay here with me. When the alien hunters are hunting me.' His delicate fingers traced shapes in front of him, as though looking to pluck the English words from the air. 'We come in pairs,' he said. 'The hunters will know that, if there's a Ia Jareshth Kto, there's a Myn Jareshth Kto.'

'It won't matter after tonight,' Benny said. 'After we get you home.'

He lowered his head, the fine white hair obscuring his eyes. 'There's not a Ia Jareshth anymore,' he said.

'You don't know that,' said Benny.

'Your father is brave,' he said again. 'He came to the National Hurricane Center National Hurricane Center.' The words had a strange flavour, like a memorized phrase. la Jareshth and I were looking at one of the computers at the National Hurricane Center National Hurricane Center. The police caught us, and kept us in a room until Colonel Kramer could arrive.'

The Lacaillan blinked slowly, remembering. 'But Mister Mister Beven Beven communicated with your father. He pretended there was an emergency, and helped us run away. Then your father came for us. We were hiding in another room. communicated with your father. He pretended there was an emergency, and helped us run away. Then your father came for us. We were hiding in another room. Admiral Admiral Summerfield Summerfield and and Mister Beven Mister Beven helped us run away to a car. helped us run away to a car.

Then your father drove us to an aeroplane while the soldiers were shooting at us.' He folded his hands back into his lap. 'I wish I could use your language more precisely.'

Benny said hoa.r.s.ely, 'That's all right. Sometimes telling a story simply makes it more effective.'

Myn Jareshth said, 'You are also half of a pair.'