Doctor Who: War Machine by Ian Stuart Black Page A

‘Or rather this morning... We took his taxi to come here.’
    ‘What an extraordinary coincidence.’ But Sir Charles was not particularly concerned. He read aloud, ‘The police appear to believe it was a road accident.’
    ‘I suppose that’s possible,’ said the Doctor.
    ‘You doubt it?’
    ‘I’m sure I don’t know.’ The Doctor frowned again. He was assailed by doubts.
    ‘Besides,’ went on Sir Charles, ‘I would like your advice on a very real problem which has cropped up.’ ‘Certainly.’
    Sir Charles handed two letters to the Doctor. ‘These arrived this morning. Both letters of resignation, and both from absolutely splendid scientists in my Faculty.’
    The Doctor read them through. ‘H’mm. No reason given in either, I see.’
    ‘That’s the strange thing,’ nodded Sir Charles. ‘Two of my best men.’
    The Doctor noted that both letters were written in a similar style, but he said nothing.
    ‘I’ve been unable to get in touch with them,’ added Sir Charles. ‘No one appears to have seen them since last night. Extraordinary, isn’t it? Two first-class scientists suddenly vanish.’
    The Doctor looked thoughtfully at Sir Charles. ‘Now I wonder... Do you suppose... I mean, if... No, I don’t suppose you would.’
    Both men turned as Polly knocked and carne into the room.
    ‘I hope I’m not late,’ she said breathlessly.
    ‘Late for what?’ Sir Charles was puzzled.
    ‘For work,’ said Polly. ‘If you show me where your secretary has her desk, I’ll start at once.’
    ‘I don’t follow,’ said Sir Charles.
    ‘But Major Green told me to get round here as quickly as possible. Professor Brett won’t need me today. I understood your secretary was ill.’
    ‘Actually she is away today. But I don’t see how Brett or anyone else could have known about it.. But I’ll be glad of your help. Her office is through there. I’ll join you shortly.’
    ‘Right.’ Polly turned to the Doctor. ‘How is Dodo this morning?’
    ‘Here she is now,’ said the Doctor. ‘She’ll tell you herself.’
    Dodo had just walked into the room.
    ‘I’m fine,’ said Dodo. She sounded a little cool. ‘Isn’t it time you began work?’
    Polly raised her eyebrows. ‘Sorry I asked,’ she said as she went out.
    ‘I hope I haven’t kept you waiting, Doctor,’ said Dodo.
    ‘Not at all,’ said the Doctor, surprised. It was unlike Dodo to be so curt with anyone. He turned to Sir Charles. ‘Sorry I can’t help you with your problem. I’m rather out of touch these days.’
    Sir Charles was still thumbing through his letters. ‘It won’t be easy to fill their places. Men of this quality are hard to find. Especially with their high level of computer knowledge.’
    ‘Computers?’ The Doctor looked at him sharply. ‘The man who could help you there is surely Professor Brett,’ said Dodo unexpectedly.
    ‘That’s true,’ agreed Sir Charles.
    ‘We could call round and see him now,’ she suggested to the Doctor.
    ‘I thought you wanted to show me London,’ he said. ‘This sounds much more important,’ she said. ‘That’s very understanding of you, my dear.’ Dodo was becoming very responsible, mused the Doctor. ‘I’m ready,’ she said promptly.
    But the Doctor hesitated. ‘Perhaps we should make an appointment. Maybe I should phone him first?’ She agreed quickly. ‘Yes, that would be best.’ ‘Go ahead. Use the phone,’ said Sir Charles. The Doctor thanked him as he dialled the number. He heard a voice at the other end of the line. ‘Hello... I’d like to speak to Professor Brett please... Yes. That’s correct..
    In his office, Brett covered the phone with his hand and turned to where Krimpton was receiving a spate of signals from Wotan.
    ‘It’s the Doctor... On the line! Feed him through. Direct to Wotan!’
    Krimpton operated a switch. A light blazed from the computer. A new sound emanated from within... a high-pitched whine which was soft at first but rapidly