Part 12 (2/2)

'I'm not Sarah Jane, I'm Peri! And you're lying under the remains of a robot!'

Oh yes, I remember now.' He tried to get up and failed.

'Get this thing off me!'

'I've been trying to!'

Between them they managed to s.h.i.+ft the metal bulk of the robot sufficiently to enable the Doctor to roll free.

He scrambled to his feet. 'Where are Katryca and the others?'

'They've gone underground.'

'Whatever for?'

'From what I could hear, now Katryca's killed the Immortal she's planning a takeover.'

The Doctor looked at the toppled robot. 'That? That's not the Immortal, it's just a Service Robot. How long have they been gone?'

'Just a few minutes.'

'We'd better go after them.'

'Why?'

'They've got to be stopped. The situation is worse than you imagine.'

'It always is,' said Peri wearily.

The Doctor was already on his way and Peri hurried after him.

Katryca led her little army through the first tunnel, down the long steps to the lower one, then up to the door that led to the lower levels.

'How does the great door open?' demanded Katryca.

Broken Tooth pointed to the handle. 'You turn this.'

'Open it!'

Broken Tooth obeyed, and the door slid open.

Katryca handed her gun to a startled Balazar. 'You and Broken Tooth have lived in this blackness. You will lead the way.'

Broken Tooth said, 'I know a tunnel which leads straight to the Immortal's castle.'

'Forward!' ordered Katryca.

Nervously the tribesmen filed through the door.

Their entrance was observed on the control room monitor screen.

'They look very fierce,' said Humker.

'Naturally,' said Tandrell. 'They live as wild creatures.'

'They are coming towards us,' Humker pointed out.

'You have a gift for the obvious, Humker.'

'Surely they will not attack us?'

'That is clearly their intention.'

'I do not understand the logic,' protested Humker. 'We have not harmed them.'

'It is Rebellion,' said Drathro heavily.

'What shall we do if they break in?' asked Humker.

Drathro said, 'I shall kill them.'

Tandrell said, 'Their guns destroyed your Service Robot, Drathro.'

'My plating is stronger,' boomed Drathro. 'My circuits are well protected. Their guns will only kill you.'

'But if we die,' said Humker hurriedly, 'Who will a.s.sist with your research?'

'The Doctor,' said Drathro, and turned away.

Broken Tooth stopped the invading party at a tunnel junction. 'Halt!'

They halted.

'I fear the worst,' said Broken Tooth gloomily.

'What is wrong?' asked Katryca. 'Are we lost?'

Broken Tooth nodded sadly. 'Marti Station is back this way.'

<script>