Doctor Who - [083] - [Target Novel 09] -The Android Invasion Page 6

  "Surely you've realized by now? Harry and Benton and all the others aren't real people at all."

  "Not real?"

  "Fakes," said the Doctor patiently. "Copies. Electronic and mechanical androids, with programmed computers instead of brains. If I'd had my wits about me I'd have realized earlier. Remember that high radiation level I noticed when we first left the TARDIS? Oseidon, the planet of the Kraals, is the only inhabited planet in the galaxy with a level that high. The Kraals fought one atomic war too many. Not many of them survived it—and they ruined their planet into the bargain." He turned from the door in disgust. "No good, I can't shift it."

  "There's an armed sentry outside anyway—" Sarah interrupted herself. "Radiation? Won't we get radiation sickness or something?"

  "I doubt it, we weren't exposed for long enough."

  Sarah shuddered. "Still, the sooner we get away from here the better."

  "That's what the Kraals think. You see the radiation level on this planet isn't just high, it's unstable, increasing all the time. It won't be too long before the place is uninhabitable, even for the few Kraals that are left. That's why they're planning to leave and take over the Earth."

  "So everything we've seen here has been a fake?"

  "That's right. The woods, the Research Center,, even the village. Everything copied down to the last detail—including the inhabitants!"

  "But why? As a sort of training ground?"

  "Exactly. They've made hardly a slip. Oh, one or two minor details were wrong, like mint-fresh coins all with the same date. But otherwise they got nearly everything right."

  The door was flung open and Crayford came into the cell. They caught a glimpse of Corporal Adams on guard outside, then the door closed. Crayford said abruptly, "I've been listening to you—I was just outside."

  "Bad habit, eavesdropping," said the Doctor reprovingly. "Still, no one's perfect."

  Crayford stared wildly at them. He felt a strange need to talk to the two prisoners, to explain things, to justify himself—but somehow he didn't know where to begin. Still in the same jerky fashion he said, "So, you're impressed with the thoroughness of this operation?"

  "It's impressive right enough," agreed the Doctor. "Doomed to fail though, all the same."

  For some reason Crayford felt it was important to convince the Doctor that he was wrong. "No, Doctor. Very shortly I shall be leaving for Earth. The Kraals will project me through their space-time warp, and my ship will make a normal re-entry through Earth's atmosphere."

  "A normal re-entry?" said the Doctor skeptically. "You've been away for two years. They gave you up for dead."

  Crayford gave a triumphant smile. "That's where you're wrong, Doctor. Not long ago I reestablished radio contact with Earth. I told them about the stabilizer failure that sent my ship out beyond Jupiter. I told them how I'd rationed my provisions, rigged up re-cycling apparatus. Every telescope on Earth is trained on the sky waiting for the gallant XK5 to reappear."

  "A hoax," said the Doctor softly. "A giant hoax."

  "Exactly. All planned by Styggron, Chief Scientist of the Kraals."

  "Helped by you. He couldn't have done any of it without drawing on your memories, your knowledge."

  Crayford said, "The superb technology of the Kraals—"

  Sarah interrupted him. "Why did you do it? What made you betray Earth to the Kraals?"

  "And didn't Earth betray me?" shouted Crayford hysterically. "I was sent out with faulty equipment and then written off, abandoned, left to die in space. It was the Kraals who saved me. I was dying, torn apart by gyro-failure. They re-created me, Miss Smith. Re-created me in every detail—except for this one eye which couldn't be found." Crayford rubbed nervously at the black eye-patch. "I owe the Kraals everything."

  "And that's what they want in return," said Sarah bitterly. "Everything. They want the world—and you're giving it to them."

  "The Kraals are a doomed race. They must leave their own planet because of the radiation level. Why should a race with such skills be left to die?"

  "Earth has one or two skills of its own," said the Doctor gently.

  "The Kraals have promised me no humans will be harmed—as long as they accept the ultimatum. The Kraals will take the northern hemisphere of the planet and live in peace. I have their word."

  The Doctor looked sadly at him. "And you really believe that? You've been brainwashed, Crayford. Although I think it's starting to wear off a little ...."

  Stubbornly Crayford shook his head. "Before my ship lands the space shells containing the androids will be launched. If they are seen, they'll be taken for meteorites. The androids will take over the Space Research Center and Marshal Chedaki will be able to bring in the invasion fleet without detection. Not a shot will be fired."

  "If your Kraal friends are so peace-loving, why did Styggron try to blow me up with the village?"

  "He thought you were a danger to the plan. Miss Smith's memory-print revealed your past involvement with the defense of Earth." Crayford paused, rubbing nervously at his eye-patch. "Styggron still thinks you're dangerous. I've managed to persuade him to utilize your knowledge rather than waste it. He has a machine that extracts the entire memory and intelligence of any living creature, and feeds it into a computer. It's a painful process, Doctor-but it's better than dying."

  A Kraal voice crackled over the communication-system. "Service mechanics to leader rocket loading bay,"

  Crayford went and rapped on the door. "It's time for me to go. Believe me, Doctor, I know what I'm doing." The door opened and Crayford went out.

  The Doctor stared hard at the locked cell door. "I've got to get to Earth and warn them."

  "How?" asked Sarah despairingly. "We haven't even got the TARDIS any more."

  The Doctor was staring into space. In his mind a plan was forming. It was insanely risky―but it might be the only chance to save Earth.

  * * *

  Marshal Chedaki came bustling into Styggron's laboratory. "The launch count-down is about to begin—" He broke off in surprise. A metal tray stood incongruously on top of the control console. It contained a jug apparently full of water, a cup, and a platter on which rested some chunks of coarse bread. Standing over the tray were Styggron, and the Harry Sullivan android. It was taking the stopper from a plastic phial. "Carefully," hissed Styggron. "Only one drop. Handle it carefully." It was clear that the Kraal scientist was in a state of tense excitement.

  Suddenly Chedaki understood. "This is the culture you spoke of?"

  "Yes, Marshal. This little phial holds the death-sentence of the human race."

  The android allowed one drop of colourless liquid to drip from the phial into the water-jug. "Be careful," said Styggron again.

  His evident nervousness affected Chedaki. "Is the virus safe to handle?"

  "As long as only the androids come into contact with it. You do well to be concerned, Chedaki. Even we Kraals are not immune to its effect."

  With some relief Chedaki watched the android reseal the phial and place it in a sterilizing chamber. "Now, take the tray to the detention cell," ordered Styggron. "We shall test it on the girl."

  * * *

  The Doctor had abandoned his attempts to open the door, and was attacking the floor instead. He had succeeded in lifting one of the metal plates, and was at work on the tangle of electric cables underneath. "This has possibilities, Sarah, distinct possibilities."

  "What are you trying to do?"

  "Androids work through electronic circuitry. If we can lure that guard in here and give him a good stiff jolt..." The Doctor heaved a length of cable from the tangle of wires, breaking one end free.

  "Electrocute him?"

  "Well, randomize him, to be strictly accurate. He's only a machine, remember."

  Sarah heard footsteps along the corridor. "Someone coming, Doctor."

  The Doctor thrust the loose cable back into the gap and slid the cover plate into position, hoping no one would notice it wasn't fastened. Th
e door opened and the Harry Sullivan android came into the cell carrying a tray. "Styggron sends you this." He put the tray down on the bunk.

  The Doctor looked at it. "How very thoughtful. Bread and water, I see. Traditional prisoners' fare."

  "It's better than nothing," said Sarah. "And I'm thirsty." She poured water into the cup.

  The android turned to the Doctor. "You will come with me." It took the Doctor's wrist in a painful grip.

  The Doctor winced. "Careful! You androids don't know your own strength!"

  "Come," said the android tonelessly. It began dragging the Doctor away.

  Sarah was just about to drink the water, but at this new development she put down the cup. "Where are you taking him?"

  The android didn't answer, but the Doctor shouted, "Treat that water with caution, Sarah—and don't waste it. Water's an excellent conductor, remember!"

  The door slammed behind him. Sarah looked at the loose plate on the floor, and then at the tray. She reached for the water jug.

  * * *

  The Doctor looked curiously around Styggron's laboratory, "So this is where you put Crayford back together again! Careless of you to lose his eye, wasn't it?"

  Styggron gestured towards the operating table. "Hurry. I have little time."

  The android dragged the Doctor towards the table. The Doctor made a desperate attempt to break free, but the android forced him onto the table with unconcerned ease.

  "Leaving soon, are you, Styggron?" gasped the Doctor.

  "Very soon, Doctor." Styggron moved over to the table and began securing clamps to hold the Doctor in place. The Doctor struggled wildly, but against the combined strengths of Kraal and android he was completely helpless.

  * * *

  Sarah finished sloshing the water in the jug around the door. She picked up the cup, hesitated for a moment. One cupful wouldn't make much difference. She remembered the Doctor's warning and poured the cup of water onto the floor.

  Lifting up the floor-plate, she pulled out the cable. One end was free, and presumably, live. Now all she needed was some way to get the guard in the cell. She could yell, of course, but he'd probably ignore her... She thought hard for a moment then slipped the brightly colored scarf from around her neck.

  Cautiously she rubbed the ends of the cable against the metal floor-strut. There was a shower of sparks. She did it again, holding the scarf near the end of the cable. The scarf charred and began to smoke. Eagerly Sarah blew on it, fanning the glowing red sparks into flame.

  * * *

  Despite his struggles, the Doctor was now firmly secured to the operating table, held down with clamps so that he could scarcely wriggle. The Sullivan android had gone, and Styggron was fastening electrodes to the Doctor's head.

  "In a moment, Doctor, the knowledge and experience of your entire life will be transposed into our data bank."

  "That's stealing," said the Doctor indignantly.

  "And while you are making your small contribution to Kraal culture, I shall be on my way to destroy the humans you have so often defended." Styggron looked mockingly down at the Doctor. "This time you will be powerless to help them."

  "So, you intend genocide, do you?"

  "Earth's resources are limited," said Styggron indifferently. "They cannot be wasted in the support of an inferior species."

  "And just how do you plan to wipe out the human race? Nuclear fission will raise Earth's radiation level above even your tolerance."

  "Nothing so crude, Doctor. The androids will spread a virus that will rid Earth of its human population within weeks. The virus is self-limiting. It will burn itself out, and Earth will be ours."

  "And where will you be while all this is going

  "Crayford's rocket will automatically be placed in quarantine. I shall remain inside until it is time to signal Marhsal Chedaki to bring in the invasion fleet,"

  "The best-laid schemes of mice and Kraals gang aft agley," said the Doctor defiantly. "Something will go wrong, Styggron!"

  "Nothing can go wrong." Styggron pulled a switch and the Doctor's ears were filled by a high-pitched electronic buzz that seemed to echo around his brain. Multi-colored lights began flashing in front of his eyes and the laboratory seemed to be spinning around him.

  Styggron made a final adjustment to his instruments. "In a few minutes, Doctor, the analyzer will have completed its recording. To avoid harming the subject, it must then be switched off. Unfortunately, I shall not be here. Your brain-tissue will expand under the stimulation until your head explodes. I imagine it is a most unpleasant death."

  The Doctor's face was twisted with strain, as he marshaled all his strength to resist the effects of the machine. Styggron laughed. "Defiant to the last, I see, Doctor. Soon you will be screaming for mercy. And there will be no one here!"

  Blast Off

  Sarah held the smoldering scarf close to the grille in the cell door and blew frantically. Would the guard even notice the smoke drifting out into the corridor? If he did, would he feel it his duty to investigate? A human guard might, but who could tell how an android would react?

  Suddenly she heard the sound of bolts being drawn back. Dropping the scarf she stepped back and picked up the cable.

  The door swung open and Corporal Adams came through the doorway, his booted feet in the puddle of water around the door. He raised his rifle—and Sarah jabbed the end of the cable against the metal barrel of the gun.

  The results were spectacular. The android went rigid. It staggered back, arms and legs flailing wildly, puffs of smoke coming from its body as connections overloaded and blew up. It gave a final convulsive jerk, then dropped to the ground like a puppet with severed strings,

  Sarah looked down in horror. The android's entire chest had exploded and she could see a smoking tangle of wires and circuits inside its torso. Leaping over the android, and over the puddle of water in which it lay, Sarah set off to look for the Doctor.

  * * *

  Styggron looked with satisfaction at the writhing form on the table. The Doctor was resisting the effects of the braindrain machine for an amazingly long time, but soon he would have to give way. Styggron wished he could stay and watch the process, but on the eve of the invasion he had many other duties. Reluctantly he left the laboratory.

  Sarah turned a corner just in time to see Styggron come out of the laboratory and move away. She dodged back, waited until he was out of sight, then ran into the laboratory.

  To her horror, she saw the Doctor stretched out on the operating table, body writhing and face twisted with strain. She ran to the console and began turning off every control in sight. In a few seconds the electronic howling died away, and the Doctor slumped back unconscious.

  Sarah began unfastening the clamps that held him to the table. When she'd finished, the Doctor was still unconscious. In desperation she slapped his face to revive him. He opened his eyes and looked reproachfully at her. "Ouch— that hurt!"

  "Come on, Doctor. You've got to wake up."

  "I am awake, I think," said the Doctor dreamily. "Once upon a time there were three sisters and they lived at the bottom of a well. Their names were Olga, Marsha and Irene. Are you listening, Tilly?"

  Sarah shook him by the shoulder. "Wake up, Doctor, this is no time for fairy-stories. And I'm Sarah! You're in the Kraals' laboratory."

  The dreamy look faded from the Doctor's face and he swung his legs down from the table. "Yes, that seems to make sense. Come on, Sarah, we've got to hurry!"

  "Where to?"

  "Crayford's rocket. It'll be leaving for Earth any minute—and we're going with it!"

  * * *

  As they ran along the corridors they heard the dull roaring of the rocket motors. The Doctor ran steadily towards the sound, using it as a-guide. They came to a long corridor with a heavy door at the end, ran through it, and found themselves in the open air.

  They were in a huge square launching bay, a kind of concrete pit. In the center of it, supported by a metal gantry,
was the XK5, the rocket ship in which Crayford had been sent off to explore the universe.

  A magnified Kraal voice was ringing through the area. "Launching area should now be cleared. Time to lift off, zero minus sixty..."

  The rocket's motors were running up to launch point, and a blast of exhaust gases swirled through the launch area t like a desert wind. Sarah backed away, but the Doctor yelled, "Come on!" He grabbed her by the wrist and began dragging her towards the rocket.

  When they reached it, the Doctor began swarming up the metal gantry that supported the rocket. Frightened as she was, Sarah had to follow. It was a long and terrifying climb. Finally the Doctor edged along a narrow metal beam, and wrestled with a hatch until he got it open. "This should take us into the cargo hold. In you go, Sarah." He helped Sarah through, scrambled in after her, and closed the hatch.

  They were in a metal chamber about the size of a small room. Its walls were lined with racks upon which rested long coffin-like shapes. The racks had metal caterpillar tracks on them, and the whole effect was rather like that of a bomb-bay.

  The Doctor hurried towards the canisters and wrenched open first one and then another. Androids lay corpse-like inside the shells, a motherly looking women and a middle-aged man. Sarah jumped back and the Doctor grinned. "It's all right, these ones aren't activated yet." He grabbed the man android and chucked it casually aside. "Quick, Sarah, in you get!"

  "What for?"

  "Protection. The G-force will be crushing when the ship blasts off. We'll have to use these as acceleration-couches."

  The Doctor helped Sarah into the shell, dumped the second android and climbed in himself. Lying back in the chair, he waited calmly for take-off.

  A Kraal voice boomed through the ship. "Time to lift off, fifteen seconds. Close vents!" They braced themselves. The voice came again. "Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one..."

  The roar of the rocket motors rose to a shrieking crescendo. Sarah felt a giant invisible hand crushing her down into the shell. It pressed harder, harder, until her whole body seemed flattened by the enormous strain. "It's crushing me..." she gasped, and everything went black...