Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters Read Online Free

considerably behind in our research programme,’ Dr Lawrence was saying. ‘But I am determined we shall recover our lost ground and go on to make the new and important discoveries that lie ahead. Thank you very much for giving me your attention.’ He stopped addressing his audience, and turned quizzically towards the Brigadier. ‘Perhaps you could introduce your colleagues, Brigadier.’
    The Brigadier rose. ‘Certainly, Dr Lawrence. This is Miss Elizabeth Shaw, and this is the Doctor, UNIT’s scientific adviser.’
    The scientists turned to look at the newcomers. The Brigadier continued, speaking now to the Doctor and Liz. ‘This gentleman is Dr Quinn, Dr Lawrence’s deputy in this establishment.’
    The Doctor turned and shook hands with the small, lean-faced Dr Quinn. ‘Very pleased to meet you,’ he said. Quinn smiled, and returned the compliment.
    The Brigadier continued. ‘This, Doctor, is Major Barker.’ He indicated a big-built man with a square, ruddy face and close-cropped ginger hair.
    ‘Another scientist?’ asked the Doctor.
    ‘Station security officer,’ said Barker. ‘Regular Army, retired.’
    The Doctor shook Barker’s hand. ‘They must be retiring people very young in the army these days,’ the Doctor said, smiling.
    Barker looked embarrassed, and gave a quick glance to Dr Lawrence, as though expecting Lawrence to explain why Barker had been retired from the army. But Dr Lawrence just smiled, and changed the subject. ‘You no doubt know the purpose of our work here,’ he said to the Doctor.
    The Doctor said it had been explained to him, adding: ‘You send a proton round and round in a tube, then try to hit it with sub-atomic particles.’
    ‘That’s good,’ laughed Dr Quinn. ‘You make it sound like a sideshow at a funfair!’ Dr Quinn spoke with the trace of a Scottish accent, and seemed the only scientist present with any sense of humour.
    Dr Lawrence said: ‘We are on the verge of discovering a way to make cheap atomic energy for almost every kind of use. We are developing a new kind of nuclear reactor, one that will convert nuclear energy directly to electrical power.’
    ‘That’ll show ’em!’ said the Brigadier.
    Everyone looked at the Brigadier, as though he had said something very silly. ‘Show whom?’ asked the Doctor.
    The Brigadier had to think for a moment. ‘You know,’ he said, ‘foreign competitors. A discovery like this will make Britain great again.’
    No one seemed very impressed with this, although it made sense to Liz. The Doctor turned back to Dr Lawrence. ‘What’s going wrong?’
    Dr Lawrence explained that a lot of the people working for him had been taken ill, or had had accidents. But the biggest problem was the sudden loss of electrical power to make the cyclotron work.
    ‘Have you any idea what causes these losses of electrical power?’ asked the Doctor.
    Major Barker spoke before either of the others had a chance to answer. ‘It’s sabotage,’ he blurted out. ‘A planned, deliberate programme of sabotage!’
    It was obvious that Dr Lawrence had heard all this before from Major Barker. ‘Really, Barker,’ said Dr Lawrence, his voice strained, ‘we have already discussed that possibility. It seems most unlikely.’
    ‘Then why has UNIT been called in?’ said Barker.
    Dr Lawrence deliberately ignored the question, and turned to the Doctor. ‘Look, since you and Miss Shaw have been sent to help us, how about seeing around the place?’
    ‘Delighted,’ said the Doctor.
    ‘Good.’ Dr Lawrence turned to Dr Quinn. ‘You could give them a conducted tour. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must get back to my work.’ Dr Lawrence hurried away.
    ‘Ready for the tour?’ asked Dr Quinn.
    The Doctor said he was, but first he asked what type of accidents people had had at the Centre. Again Major Barker blurted the answer. ‘Stupid mishaps,’ he said, his face reddening. ‘Most accidents are the fault of the people who have them, and there