Doctor Who: The Invasion Read Online Free

Doctor Who: The Invasion
Book: Doctor Who: The Invasion Read Online Free
Author: Ian Marter
Tags: Science-Fiction:Doctor Who
Pages:
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Vaughn murmured calmly, reclining his chair and staring impassively at the bank of monitors on the wall opposite. 'Deal with them, Packer.'
     
    The Doctor was cautiously leading the way along the silent deserted corridor when, all at once, a glass wall slid across their path.
    Before they could even turn round a second panel glided across behind them, trapping them like fish in an aquarium. A sinister hissing issued from narrow vents near the ceiling and within a few seconds the Doctor and Jamie were overcome by a soporific gas.
     
    They sank to the floor, their fingers squeaking eerily against the glass barrier.
    A few minutes later, Packer arrived accompanied by two armed subordinates. He inserted a special key into the wall and the glass shutters silently withdrew. With cold detachment Packer turned Jamie's motionless body over with his steel toecapped boot.
    Suddenly Jamie grabbed Packer's foot and twisted it viciously sideways. Yelping with pain and shock, Packer pitched spreadeagled on the floor. But before the dazed young Scot could follow up his attack, the two guards each grabbed an ear and yanked Jamie to his knees.
    Packer struggled to his feet and gazed down at Jamie, beads of sweat breaking out all over his waxy white face. 'Wait!' he whined, balancing himself to kick his assailant in the face. 'This is going to be a pleasure...'
    At that moment, Vaughn's velvet tones filled the corridor from concealed speakers. 'Packer, where are your manners? Escort our visitors to my office immediately.'
    Packer froze, like a child caught stealing sweets. 'But I haven't interrogated them yet,' he pleaded, as the Doctor stirred and sat up groggily.
    At once, Packer,' Vaughn purred insistently.
    Jamie helped the Doctor up, staring at Packer with defiant contempt as he dutifully motioned to the guards to take them up to his master.
     
    2

Old Friends
    Vaughn rose to greet the Doctor and Jamie as they were shown into his penthouse office. 'Please be seated, gentlemen,' he beamed courteously. 'Thank you, Packer,' he added coldly. His deputy lingered on the threshold until a dismissive gesture finally sent him resentfully outside.
    The Doctor's keen eye quickly took in the artificial potted plants, the self-adjusting suspended light fittings and the comprehensive array of facilities ranged at Vaughn's fingertips. 'I knew there must be a human being in here somewhere,' he grinned, sitting down.
    Vaughn bowed. 'I apologise for my staff's over-zealous behaviour but your arrival was a trifle unconventional.'
    Jamie's hackles rose. 'Maybe, but there was no need to...'
    The Doctor interrupted tactfully. 'I think perhaps we are the ones who should apologise, Mister...'
    'Vaughn... Tobias Vaughn... Director of International Electromatix. I must say your business with Professor Watkins must be very urgent to force you to such extremes.'
    Jamie sat up in astonishment. 'Hey, how did ye ken we were wanting the Professor?'
    Vaughn gestured with well manicured hands towards his enormous desk. 'My computer reports everything directly to me,' he smiled.
    'Everything?' the Doctor echoed innocently.
    Vaughn nodded. 'But I regret that your visit has been wasted.
    Professor Watkins is engaged on a new project and he refuses to see anyone,' he said sadly.
    The Doctor looked crestfallen.
    'Perhaps I can help?' Vaughn suggested brightly.
     
    Jamie nudged his silent friend. 'Och, it's only a couple of dud circuits, Doctor, surely a place like this could...' He trailed into silence as the Doctor glanced at him warningly.
    Vaughn leaned forward eagerly. 'Circuits? Electronics?' he purred. 'My technicians are the best in the world. I am sure they could assist you, gentlemen.'
    The Doctor shook his head. 'Thank you, Mr Vaughn, but the circuits are... are most complex.'
    Vaughn gestured expansively. 'Complexity is our speciality,'
    he insisted, holding out his hands. 'At least let us try.'
    The Doctor hesitated, glancing reproachfully at Jamie.
    Eventually
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