The Ice Warriors Read Online Free Page A

surprise…’ He pressed the button. The inner door slid back to reveal a scene that made even the Doctor wonder. There, under an immense plastic dome that kept the Arctic weather conditions at bay, stood a gracious and elegant Georgian country house in a state of perfect preservation. Ahead of them, across a short stretch of lawn, a terrace and a side door opened into the stable block. The Doctor’s eyes twinkled with appreciation. ‘Absolutely charming,’ he said, with a smile. ‘Shall we go in?’

2
    Two Minutes to Doomsday
    CLENT STOOD BEFORE the electronic chart that dominated the Grand Hall of the Base HQ. Beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead as he watched the line that represented the glacier flow minutely forward… With the Ioniser now operating at less than half power, the ice could barely be held in check. And if it failed completely, there would be nothing to stop the glaciers’ advance to the Channel, and beyond. What is more, his own career would be in ruins.
    ‘Leader Clent!’
    Miss Garrett was hurrying towards him, her face alert and, for once, pleased.
    ‘We’ve made contact with Scientist Arden!’ she announced.
    Clent strode to the nearest video point, and Miss Garrett channelled the call through to him. In spite of interference and atmospherics, Arden’s goggled face was plainly visible.
    ‘Arden’ – the Leader ordered firmly – ‘you must return to Base immediately!’
    ‘Sorry, Clent,’ replied the geologist, ‘but we haven’t finished yet. Another hour, and then we’ll be back.’
    ‘Now!’ insisted Clent. ‘The Ioniser is close to breakdown – you know what that means!’
    ‘Chilly weather ahead,’ joked the grinning face on the interference-flecked videoscreen. ‘I wonder if Penley’s ears are burning?’
    Stung into anger, Clent barked out his reply. ‘I’m giving you an order, Arden. You’ll return now – and no arguments!’
    ‘I’ve got good reason to delay,’ replied Arden without flinching. ‘A fantastic discovery in the ice—’
    ‘Your task was to replace a probe!’ Clent’s anger boiled over. ‘You are not there to indulge in amateur archaeology! Do you hear?’
    Arden was unimpressed. ‘Even when the discovery is a man?’
    Jan, standing at Clent’s shoulder, could see he was surprised, even impressed, but his reply was typically crushing.
    ‘Congratulations – it makes a change from pottery fragments! Now leave it and return – as ordered!’
    ‘As soon as I’ve got the body loaded on to the airsled,’ commented the grinning geologist. ‘I’m bringing it back with me, Clent. These blasted glaciers owe me that much!’
    Clent fumed. He was helpless – and Arden knew it.
    ‘There will be a full disciplinary enquiry!’ he snapped.
    ‘Can’t hear you, old chap… too much interference… see you shortly.’
    The screen went blank.
    At the same moment, the computer warning system went into Phase Three – Red Alert.
    *
    The door from the stable courtyard led directly into a passageway connecting the servants’ kitchens with the main body of the house. There was no sign of life as yet – except the distant repetition of the warning relay. Leading the way, the Doctor paused at the heavy door. He placed his ear against it, and listened intently. Victoria was gazing round, wondering whether she was in a dream – the house so much resembled the Victorian mansion that had once been her home!
    ‘It’s a lovely old house,’ she sighed. Jamie, like the Doctor, was more concerned with the possible dangers ahead.
    ‘What’s that they’re saying, Doctor…?’ he queried.
    The Doctor could only frown and shake his head. He opened the door a fraction, so that the warning voice could be heard more clearly.
    ‘Phase Three. Red alert. Evacuate. Evacuate. Transport section leaders report to loading bays. Phase Three. Evacuate!’
    ‘There’s something wrong…’ the Doctor murmured.
    ‘It looks peaceful enough to me,’ commented