Part 20 (2/2)

In the absence of the crystal however, the was nothing more serious than a loud bang, a shower of sparks and a lot of smoke.

Ruth got to her feet and studied the shattered console.

'You'll have to start all over again,' said Jo Ruth shook her head. 'I couldn't, not without the Professor. Just as well I suppose.'

'Well, it's done its job, thanks to you,' said the Doctor. 'Everything's back to normal.'

As if to prove the Doctor's point, the Brigadier burst into the room, revolver in hand.

'Stand still everyone.' He broke off, staring round the somewhat unexpected group.

'Er - where's the Master?'

'A very good question, Brigadier,' said the Doctor.

'Ah, Doctor, glad to see you're back. And Miss Grant...'

The Brigadier suddenly registered Jo's Atlantean costume. 'Miss Grant, what are you doing in that extraordinary get-up?' Without waiting for a the Brigadier went on, 'And where, for heaven's sake, is Sergeant Benton?'

Stuart clutched Ruth's arm. 'The baby! We forgot the baby!'

Sergeant Benton arose from behind the TOMt.i.t console. He had been restored to his full age and size, and he was wearing nothing but a very inadequate improvised nappy, and an embarra.s.sed smile.

He looked around the circle of smiling faces, and said plaintively. 'Would someone please tell me exactly what's been happening around here?'

And that too, thought the Doctor, was a very good question!

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