Part 2 (2/2)

Nilson said quietly, 'We have synch-up to missile computer, Commander.'

'Go ahead, Maddox.'

Maddox's hands they were the computer's hands now began moving swiftly over the keyboard in front of him.

'Missiles locked onto targets, sir.'

A complex pattern of missile tracks appeared on the defence screen. Above it flashed the message 'MISSILE RUN. RED ALERT'. Collectively, the Bridge held its breath.

The Doctor straightened up from the console. 'We made it!'

'I don't believe it,' said Tegan.

Turlough was equally sceptical. 'I don't think the Doctor does either!'

'Well, it was a little close,' admitted the Doctor. 'Now then, let's see where we are...'

'Well, where are are we?' asked Tegan. we?' asked Tegan.

'Still in the same time-zone, at least,' said the Doctor thoughtfully.

'And on Earth?'

'I think so.' The Doctor switched on the scanner, and studied the picture thoughtfully.

It didn't tell him very much. They were in a large open s.p.a.ce inside some kind of structure. In the distance a spiral staircase led up to a higher level.

'Well, let's find out,' said the Doctor.

Tegan s.h.i.+vered. 'It's a bit chilly in here.'

Turlough looked around: white-painted metal walls, walkways and staircases and a strange distant sound could it be the lapping of water? 'We seem to be on some kind of s.h.i.+p.'

The Doctor spotted a circular porthole and went to peer out of it. He could see only murky blackness. 'Or a submarine. There's no movement. We could be on the sea-bed.' He nodded towards the spiral staircase. 'Come on, let's take a look around.'

They began climbing the staircase. None of them noticed that the TARDIS door wasn't properly closed.

Maddox said hoa.r.s.ely. 'Missiles armed.'

'Prepare firing sequence,' ordered Vorshak.

Maddox's hands moved rapidly over the controls and then became still. His right hand rested on the firing lever.

The words 'COUNTDOWN TO IGNITION' flashed up on the screen. On the console before Bulic, a digital clock began its countdown: 60, 59, 58...

'Countdown to missile launch under way!' announced Bulic.

In total silence, the officers of Sea Base Four waited for the moment that could mean the outbreak of war.

Bulic said harshly, 'Thirty seconds to launch...'

Vorshak looked at the diminis.h.i.+ng numbers on the screen: 28, 27, 26. He looked at Maddox, who sat trembling at the console.

Vorshak would give the order, but Maddox must pull the lever. Would he, could could he do it? he do it?

Suddenly an electronic wailing filled the Bridge area, and a new message flashed on the screen. 'SIMULATED MISSILE RUN. ALL CLEAR'.

Vorshak let out a long sigh of relief. 'Well, we can breathe again.'

Maddox flopped forwards on to his console, like a puppet whose taut strings have suddenly been cut.

Vorshak looked at the slumped figure. 'Get him out of here!'

Two guards ran forward and began lifting Maddox from the chair.

'Take him to the PS unit,' said Nilson quickly. 'Doctor Solow will attend to him.'

Vorshak rubbed a hand across his eyes. 'What a time for a practice run!'

Bulic said, 'Commander, you realise the Base is defenceless while Maddox is out of action?'

Preston came to join them. 'And we still have to establish what destroyed our probe and what Sentinel Six shot at.'

Vorshak nodded wearily. 'Sound the all-clear. But the Base will remain on full alert.'

A strange electronic wailing filled the air.

Tegan looked up. 'What's that noise?'

They were walking along a white-walled metal corridor.

The Doctor stopped, studying some lettering on one of the metal sections that made up the wall. It was misted over with condensation.. The Doctor rubbed at it with his hand.

Turlough pa.s.sed him a handkerchief.

'Ah, thank you Turlough.' The Doctor rubbed away the condensation. 'Sea Base Four. Ah, yes, a Sea Base, I thought as much!' He handed the handkerchief back to Turlough. 'Thank you.'

'Not at all, Doctor. And the noise?'

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