Part 23 (2/2)

'There's barely enough room for one on that, let alone him and his whiskey.

No, that's of no use. Unfortunately.'

Benny started to sag until Sskeet walked over.

'Shsurr Summerfield,' he hissed. 'Please listen to me.'

'Why?'

'Because I have important information.'

Bernice noted a swift but inexplicable look between Kort and Keri. Centauri just blinked but Reece shuffled on his feet. It was, she decided, as if they were all expecting something important to be said. But what did any of them have in common that Sskeet could possibly want to talk about?

Unless . . . Of course - they all thought Sskeet was going to say something disadvantageous to each of them. Typical paranoia.

Okay, Sskeet, let's. .h.i.t the corridor and talk in private.'

As they left, Sskeet pulled the door shut, loudly saying, It is important that you realize that Savaar has been expelled from the Federation and the Martian hierarchy as a result of the Doctor's death -' and he and Bernice were gone.

'Well, what about that?' grunted Reece.

'What do you mean, Nic?' asked Keri.

One moment she's all for hang, drawing and quartering the Martians; next, she's having chummy chats with Sskeet. Women!'

'What's this all about, Sskeet? Why was Savaar not working for the Federation?'

I lied.'

Bernice stopped dead. 'So he was doing it on the Federation's behalf.'

'You must come with me,' was Sskeet's only response.

'No b.l.o.o.d.y way! I don't want to end up a headless corpse as well.'

Sskeet yanked back an Aggedor-decorated drape covering part of the wall.

It revealed a small alcove and he tugged at the unlit flambeau. The wall behind dropped back silently on a hinge.

'Please,' he said.

Bernice started to back away but with a turn of speed she thought impossible for a Martian, Sskeet reached forward and grabbed her. Not roughly, but firmly he took her through the gap, letting the drape fall back.

He moved a corresponding flambeau and the door swung back into place, leaving barely a crack in the rugged black walls.

I can't see, Sskeet.'

'Keep hold of my arm, I will ensure you come to no harm whatsoever.'

'You'll forgive me if I take that with the proverbial pinch of salt,' she said through gritted teeth as he strode forward, almost dragging her.

They continued in the darkness for a few moments, the silence broken by Bernice's occasional grunts as she tripped over a jut of rock or stone.

The walk widened into a large open cavern and Bernice's eyes quickly adjusted to the gloom. Nearby was an old wooden wheelbarrow, pitted and covered in roak dust.

She released her grip and stepped back from the big warrior. 'Well, where's this b.l.o.o.d.y explanation? It'd better be good.'

Sskeet said nothing.

'Say something, Sskeet. I'm getting bored.'

'You know, I hate people who say they're bored!' Bernice spun around, searching for the owner of the voice. That soft, vaguely Scottish burr . . .

The Doctor stepped out of the shadows, umbrella hanging off an outstretched arm.

Bernice drew a deep breath and looked at him. Slowly she nodded to herself, suppressing a sardonic grin. She ran her tongue around her teeth, put her weight on one leg and folded her arms.

I should've known better.'

The Doctor reached out and embraced her. 'Yes. Yes, you should. More to the point, so should I.'

'Savaar?'

The Doctor smiled. 'He trusted me all along. He set the whole thing up.

Kort and the Pakhar journalist were in on it.'

'But I saw you die. I saw Savaar chop your head off. Your blood is all over the temple floor.'

'No it's not. You saw a quite magnificent piece of hologrammatic projection, courtesy of the Pakhar and Kort. All for Atissa's benefit.'

'But she wasn't there?'

'No. Shame, really. I understand they put a lot of effort into it. Still, your reaction was apparently very convincing. And I gather Centauri went a colour he's never achieved before!'

'Can't say I noticed. I was too busy thinking how much blood fits into one small body. Funny, that.'

The Doctor withdrew from the embrace. I'm sorry.'

'Yeah, you b.l.o.o.d.y ought to be. You little sod. D'you realize, I actually cried!

I mean, how long is it since I did that! G.o.d, next time you die, you can stay dead!' This time she hugged him, suddenly feeling complete again for the first time in hours; all her anger and bitterness draining away. 'Good thing Ace wasn't here. She'd blown Savaar away on the spot'

The Doctor brushed down his suit. He pointed at Sskeet with his umbrella.

'So. Why here, Sskeet?'

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