Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia - The Post Office Tower 10/16
Title: Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia - The Post Office Tower 10/16
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, OMCs, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton, Johnson
Pairings: Jack/Ianto
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: In the Citadel of the Time Lords, about 250 million light years away from Earth, a number of elements were protected in case they fell into the wrong hands. If an exhibit was deemed to be powerful enough to corrupt in the wrong hands it was usually destroyed, or if that was found to be impossible, it was split into segments and kept apart from itself in case it were stolen.
Spoilers: Children of Earth
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Numerous ‘Womble’ references...hehe
A/N: This is a sequel to Doctor Who’s End Game. The Whole thing starts with Doctor Who and the Cathedral of Light.
Prologue here
Just off Fitzroy Square, on the outskirts of London, the TARDIS materialised with a noise like grinding metal. The sound scattered a flock of birds that took to the sky immediately on its arrival. It stood there for a moment, looking incongruous in its positioning but somehow attracting not undue attention.
As expected the left hand door opened and the smell of London filled its interior. Leaving the TARDIS the Doctor looked up at the recently completed Post Office Tower and smiled. The Year, he knew, was 1966 and England were about to win the World Cup.
Walking through the park he noticed a strange sight before him. A sight he had never personally seen before. Outside on the street another type 40 TARDIS materialised frightening the same flock of pigeons he had. Twice in one day, they became paranoid and flew off, feathers well and truly ruffled.
For some strange reason the Doctor half expected to see himself appear at the now open doorway and in a way he did. A grey haired man with a black sable cap and matching cloak walked out a smiled. He was closely followed by a young girl he instantly recognised, Dodo. In this time she looked young and full of life. The last time he had seen her was the day he’d first met Louise Ruth. He had been walking back from Dodo’s funeral when Louise Ruth had literally ran into the TARDIS demanding the use of the toilet. That had been back in 2010, but thanks to the magic of time, Dodo was young again.
Turning, Dodo smiled at the grey haired Doctor as he took her face in his hands and returned the compliment. She had so been looking forward to returning home after Steven had decided to remain behind on the last planet they’d visited, to become, of all things, the leader of the newly united Elders and Savages.
Seeing the approach of a policeman the Doctor walked away from the older looking Doctor so he could get a better view of proceedings without being arrested as a peeping tom. Heading across the road he was just in time to see the grey-haired Doctor place an out of order sign on the front of his TARDIS. Nodding the Doctor remembered the problems he’d had before he’d eventually fixed the perception filter. Now if he could get the chameleon circuit fixed he’d never have to worry again.
Looking back at the sign, swinging from the TARDIS he nodded to himself, ‘That’s useful,’ he thought, ‘in case I end up in the wrong TARDIS… could lead to a lot of explaining.’
Linking his fingers the grey-haired Doctor looked at Dodo and smiled. ‘Well I suppose you know where you are my dear?
‘London… home. It’s marvellous to be back. It seems ages since I left.’ Dodo said with a smile. The cool London air refreshing her and revitalising her as it did so.
‘Ahh… when you’ve seen the ages I’ve seen you won’t use that tone quite so freely. Anyway I don’t think it’s been all that long.’
Pointing at the out of order sign Dodo asked with a wave of her hand, ‘Hey, what’s that for?’
Turning, the Doctor placed a hand on her shoulder and walked her slowly from the TARDIS. ‘Oh well… you see… the problem with coming back to the twentieth century, my dear, the TARDIS, I’m afraid, is often mistaken for a real police box.’ As the words left his mouth the approaching policeman walked behind them and tried the door. Shaking his head he continued walking, looking for another call box.
***
‘Hope he don’t find mine… not able to get into two Police call boxes in such close proximity might just arouse his interest,’ the Doctor said as he followed the policeman’s progress away from the park.
***
‘See what you mean,’ Dodo said with a smile.
‘Yes… unfortunately he can’t get in,’ the Doctor added with a smile.
Dodo laughed, ‘If only he could. Scotland Yard whipped off into time and space.’ She continued to laugh as the Doctor’s attention was drawn elsewhere.
‘So that’s it,’ he exclaimed.
‘What?’ Dodo asked following the Doctor’s gaze. Then noticing the Post Office Tower she smiled. ‘Oh the tower… it’s finished.’
‘Isn’t that interesting… very interesting.’ The Doctor added stroking his chin as he thought.
‘Yes, great isn’t it? Steven would have liked it here.’
‘You know there’s something alien about that tower. I can sense it.’
Taking a deep breath Dodo added, ‘Smells OK to me… good old London.’
The Doctor cut in, ‘I can feel it… it’s got something… sort of powerful,’ he wrung his hands for emphasis. Then gazing down at his hands he showed them to Dodo. ‘It's... Look at my skin! Look at that! I've got that prickling sensation. The... sensation again... the same... just as I had when I fought the Daleks... those Daleks were near!’
‘Daleks… who are they?’ Dodo asked innocently.
‘Oh yes of course… you didn’t meet them did you child.’ The Doctor placed a hand over his mouth as he thought of the evil that he’d once encounter. ‘No and I prey you never will. I must investigate.’ Heading off towards the Post Office Tower Dodo smiled and followed. She had to run to catch up to him and when she did he put a grandfatherly arm around her shoulder.
***
The Doctor watched as the grey-haired Doctor and Dodo headed off down Fitzroy Street towards the Telecom Tower. Dodo, he remembered had been a sort of mental replacement for his granddaughter. At the time, he remembered, he missed her a lot… in fact… he still did. Perhaps… one day… he’d…
Shaking that thought from his mind and nodding to himself he decided to follow them. He’d like to see the old tower again… before the public were banned from it. As he walked out of the park a red squirrel watched him as if he shouldn’t be there. He nodded at the squirrel and smiled, ‘I shouldn’t… and neither will you in a few years time. Watch out for those grey squirrels, they’re murder.’
Looking up he was just in time to see the pair head off through the maze of streets beyond. He smiled and shook his head, remembering Dodo with fondness. It was good to see her again. She was so full of life.
Removing the tracker from his pocket he decided to check where the signal would take him, guessing that it would be the tower and possible confrontation with the earlier version of himself. With a look of horror he realised that the indicator light was not flashing and the LCD direction indicator was blank. Somehow using the TARDIS had shorted the power supply. Looking up at the tower he knew that there was enough power there to restart the tracker.
Putting his hands in his pockets he nodded with resignation and headed off along Fitzroy Street, then down onto Maple Street to Cleveland Mews as the tall cylindrical shape of the building loomed up before him. Entering the building he looked up at the twin lifts that had taken the other Doctor and Dodo up to the thirty fifth-floor. The lift attendant smiled at him as he pressed the button to call the lift.
‘We had Sir Billy Butlin and Tony Benn in here the other day, to open the 'Top of the Tower' restaurant on the 34th floor. It stands six hundred and twenty feet tall you know and you can see all of London on a clear day,’ he said with the smile of someone who has seen everything and wanted to talk about it. The Doctor nodded as he waited for the lift, and then smiling turned towards the operator.
‘You know one day they’ll have high-speed lifts that travel at six metres a second and take 30 seconds to reach the top.’ The attendant looked at the Doctor trying to calculate how fast that would be. ‘Did you know the Telecom… err Post Office Tower is the only building in the country that’s allowed to be evacuated by lift? Yes… it required Parliamentary legislation to be passed you know.’
Beaten at his own game the lift attendant breathed a sigh of relief as the doors opened. Entering the Doctor popped his head out and smiled, ‘The mostly circular design means that in the event of a nuclear war like Horoshima and Nagasaki the enormous blast wave would surge round it and not destroy it.’ The attendant’s mouth hung open as the Doctor retracted his head and let the doors close.
As he road up in the elevator the hairs on his arms stood up and he was filled with that old familiar feeling that made his skin creep and crawl. Only the Daleks and the super computer Wotan ever made him feel that way. Luckily this time it was Wotan that was in control of the tower.
As the doors opened on the 34th floor the Doctor removed the tracker and with dismay resigned himself to the fact that if he didn’t fix it the others would be stuck in a space time limbo waiting for him to materialise with the other points.
Sitting at the only unoccupied table he removed his sonic screwdriver and played it over the outer casing. Seeing a waiter advancing on him he quickly returned it to his pocket.
‘It’s all right Sir… I know you scientific types… they’re in here every day. Professor Brett and Sir Charles Summer are in here all the time with crazy pieces of metal, waving them around and talking gibberish.’
The Doctor had spent some time with the scientific community on Earth when his granddaughter was being educated and always felt comfortable in their presence. Smiling the Doctor nodded towards the counter and with a smile noticed a row of scones in a glass lined box.
‘Scones… jam and a dollop of fresh cream… with… a black coffee.’ His mouth began to water as he contemplated his up and coming feast. The waiter nodded as if approving the Doctor’s choice then headed off back towards the counter.
As he felt around in the pockets of his blue suit for something that might help him fix the tracker he noticed a well suited man staggering out of the lift and getting his bearings, head across towards the restaurant. Gazing around disappointedly he noticed that all the tables were taken. Finally his eyes locked onto the Doctor’s with a smile.
‘I say old boy, could a chap join you for tea and crumpets… I’ll pay, what.’
The Doctor looked at him quizzically, ‘What?’
‘The tab… the bill. I’ll be honoured to pay if you let me join you.’
Realising for the first time that he had no currency for this time period he stood and accepted the gentleman’s offer.
‘The name’s Wombwell, Barrington Wombwell… Sir Wombwell if you want but friends just call me Bingo.’
The Doctor extended his hand with a smile, ‘Are you one of the Wimbeldon Wombwell’s?’ He asked with as straight a face as he could muster. Bingo looked bemused but shook his head out of courtesy.
‘Sorry old boy, never heard of them.’
The Doctor nodded his understanding. ‘I think they’re in recycling or something on them lines… it’s an underground over ground existence… Wimbeldon… common I think.’
Bingo nodded still not sure where the conversation was going but with a British stiff upper lip continued whole heartedly. ‘From the Chester Wombwells… father was something big in the city.’
The Doctor was about to say that the Post Office Tower was bigger when his order of jam and scones arrived.
‘I take it you’ve heard that our name isn’t the best these days. Don’t get asked to society parties anymore due to my luckless brother.’
The Doctor shook his head as he began ladling copious amounts of jam onto his plate. ‘Sorry old boy never heard of him.’
Barrington smiled, coming to the conclusion that the Doctor was just saying he’d never heard of his brother as he was a gentleman and didn’t want to bring the subject up in a public place.
‘Good of you to say so old boy but it was all over the papers. When a family member is caught up in a political scandal err… ‘flagrante delicto’… err caught in the act, so to speak, there’s not much you can do about it. It’s either, carry on or take a loaded pistol and do the decent thing.’
Wombwell looked shamefaced as he spoke, his voice now in a hushed whisper. ‘The name Wombwell is mud at the moment. Usually don’t mention it anymore… don’t know why I did now… not worth mentioning really. Anyway, you didn’t tell me who you are old boy… sorry for stealing your thunder… big mouth and all that, what.’
‘What…’ the Doctor said then smiled. ‘I’m the Doctor.’ The Doctor said as he extended his hand towards the newly arrived scones.
‘Doctor who?’ Bingo asked as he nodded to the waiter. An extra cup of coffee was brought for him and without another word both men took their first bite.
‘Marvellous… absolutely marvellous… you know you can’t get anything that tastes as good as this anywhere in the galaxy… err… world…. Oh and err... it’s just Doctor.’
Not too sure what he meant Bingo decided to change the subject. ‘Well Doctor… are you here for the press conference tonight?’
As he swallowed a mouth full of cream pitted with strawberry jam the Doctor felt more relaxed than he had in a long time. He remembered the press conference where Wotan was first introduced to the public and nodded.
‘Yes… I’ll be there; couldn’t miss Wotan’s great unveiling.’
‘Wotan… is that what he’s calling it?’
‘Yes… stands for Will Operating Thought Analogue, basically a computer that thinks.’
Bingo looked sceptical, ‘A computer that thinks, what…ehh. Don’t like the sound of that old boy.’ Bingo took another bite of his scone leaving a thin white line of cream around his upper lip.
‘If you don’t mind me asking, Orinoco… err… Bingo, what are you doing here if you’re not a scientist?’ Bingo nodded as he whipped his mouth with the napkin provided.
‘I’m a civil servant, Whitehall and all that. I’ve been sent by Sir Charles Summer to keep an eye on things… you know hush, hush and all that.’ Bingo tapped the side of his nose with his index finger as he took another sip of coffee. ‘We’ve been told that this Wotan is shortly to be linked up to other major computers around the world. Need to do a feasibility study… national security and all that. Don’t want Johnny Foreigner to get his hands on all our secrets, what.’
The Doctor nodded in agreement as he ate the last of his scone. Sitting back he took a mouthful of coffee and wondered how the other groups were getting on. Even though he’d gone first the others would arrive back at the same time as he will if he can get the tracker fixed and find the star point.
***
Leaving Bingo to pay the bill the Doctor headed up to the next floor and cautiously peered out. A man he assumed was Professor Brett wandered around a bank of computers twisting dials and examining readouts. Nodding with satisfaction the Doctor realised that the grey-haired Doctor must have left and Brett was alone with his assistant Polly.
Smiling he watched Polly and felt that something was missing. Then it hit him… she was alone. Ben… Ben Jackson… that was his name, he was missing. Then he remembered she didn’t know Ben yet. She would have to go to the Inferno club that night before she would meet him. She’d once told him that Ben had saved her honour when he threw out a man that had been hitting on her all night. That meant the other Doctor would be at the press conference along with the professor.
Heading back in the lift he decided to hide out of the way until the professor left the building. That would give him enough time to fix the tracker and find the star point then head off back to the TARDIS.
Taking the lift to the top floor the Doctor walked passed the water tanks and lift motors and gazed out over the London he knew and loved. Kneeling down he removed the tracker and began removing the outer casing.
‘Doctor… may I ask the nature of this impromptu visit.’ Startled the Doctor looked up to see a smiling Barrington Wombwell looking down at him.
‘Tobermory old boy, good to see you again.’ The Doctor stood and extended his hand even thought it had only been half an hour since their last meeting.
‘Err… the name’s Bingo, Doctor, and I’m here snooping, what.’
The Doctor nodded, ‘Ahh… yes MI5 and all that. Well, Bulgaria, old boy, let’s snoop.’
Shaking his head Bingo followed the Doctor as he removed the sonic screw driver and played it across the floor. ‘I say old boy is that one of those James Bond gadgets?’
Looking at the screwdriver the Doctor nodded, ‘Straight from Q branch. Roger Moore would be proud.’
Bingo gave a slight laugh, ‘Err you mean Sean Connery old boy… Roger Moore’s the Saint. They’d never get him to play Bond… not with those eyebrows.’
The Doctor turned to look at Bingo and smiled. ‘You never know, Tomsk, my old friend. Stranger things can happen.’ Bending forward the Doctor undid the screw from the floor plating and lifted a section to one side. Gazing down he could see the floor beneath him through a polystyrene false ceiling. Removing a single tile the Doctor looked down into the control room. To his surprise the room was empty.
‘Give me a hand,’ the Doctor said as Barrington began lowering him to the floor below. Looking up the Doctor gestured for Barrington to follow. Dropping as silently as he could they both waited. It seemed that their entrance had gone unnoticed. Finding a brush near the window the Doctor flicked the tile back in place then retreated behind the computer console. Kneeling out of sight the Doctor removed the screws from the back of the computer and gazed inside.
‘What are you doing Doctor… that thing cost the taxpayers a packet you know.’
Laying on his back the Doctor gazed inside at the computers workings. ‘My dear Bungo, if you want to find out if this piece of equipment is a security risk to Her Majesty the Queen then we need to see inside… yes?’
Bingo nodded and crouched down next to the Doctor who, to his horror was removing sections of circuit board and reattaching wires as he went. Smoke began bellowing from the machine as the Doctor slammed his knee into the side of the metal casing.
‘That’s got it… just a few mechanical problems and now they’re sorted.’ More sparks flashed from the inside of the computer as the Doctor replaced the outer casing. Picking up the circuit board he’d removed and rewired, he nodded and smiled. There’s my beauty… she should do the trick no problem.’
Sitting with his back to the computer he removed the tracker and began taking it apart. Bingo was about to protest when the double doors at the front of the room opened and Professor Brett entered. Placing his briefcase on one of the tables he walked towards the phone just as it rang. As he answered Bingo ducked down behind the consol and confronted the Doctor.
‘We’ve got to get out of here… Brett’s back.’ Removing the casing from the tracker the Doctor noticed the blackened burned out components. Smiling he began replacing them with parts for the more bulky circuit board. Ignoring the Doctor, Bingo looked over the top of the terminal and gazed at Brett and wondered how long it would be before they were caught.
Professor Brett held a phone to one ear and looked as impatient as any man could be. The repetitive noise of the computer buzzed throughout the room as Professor Brett spoke curtly on the phone.
‘I have to go now I’m already late for an important meeting now good night.’ Brett placed the receiver back in its cradle and, picking up his briefcase, turned to walk out of the room. A feeling of unease crept over him and turning back towards the intercom system he summoned Major Green who was in charge of security.
‘You wanted something Professor,’ the Major asked as he entered the room. Dressed in a tan suit and sporting a black moustache and regimental tie he gave the room a cursory glance as if looking for possible intruders.
‘Have you been here all day Major?’ Brett asked with an air of authority Major Green had never liked.
‘Yes of course,’ he replied defensively.
‘Are you sure this building’s properly screened?’ He turned an accusing eye on Major Green who took all comments Brett said as personal insults.
‘If you have any complaints-’ Brett cut him off curtly.
‘I have. There’s someone in this part of the building.’
‘I’m sorry Sir not at all possible. We have a complete security check on this part of the building day and night.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive,’ the Major said with the confidence of a man that wasn’t used to his plans being questioned.
Bingo cringed behind the consol wondering why his uncle had talked him into this job in the first place. He wasn’t one of those undercover Jonnies you saw in the movies. He was a desk jockey if there ever was one.
‘It’s funny…’ Brett turned away from the Major. ‘I’ve had a feeling all day of someone there… someone listening to me… watching me.’ Changing his grip on his briefcase he headed for the door and threw it open. Quickly he gazed outside into the corridor but no one was there to listening. Looking both ways he shook his head then closed the door. Retreating back into the room he headed back to the Major.
‘Do you think he can sense us watching?’ Barrington whispered in the Doctor’s ear.
The Doctor nodded as he continued the construction of the tracker, ‘Perhaps.’
‘There’s only the two of us in this part of the tower Sir,’ the Major’s voice could be heard clearly over the noise the computer was making.
‘I suppose you must be right.’ Brett said rubbing his forehead with his free hand. ‘I’m sorry Major, I must be getting tired.’
‘Ahh… that’s all right.’ Major Green said as he turned and headed for the door. ‘Oh will you be working late tonight professor?’ Looking at his watch the professor flinched.
‘No, no good heavens no, I must be off I’m late. Thank you Major.’ He added with a nod.
‘Good night Sir.’ The Major said as he turned and left the room. The air filled with static electricity and immediately bombarded Brett’s thought processes as a high pitched hum filled the room. As it continued to affect the electricity of his thought patterns Brett staggered to one side. Lights flashed across his vision in a circular motion causing him to feel nauseous and giddy.
‘It’s ridiculous. I must be imagining things.’ As the effects increased Brett felt his consciousness shutting down. ‘It’s quite ridiculous.’ Staggering backward Brett dropped his brief case and held his fists up to his eyes to try and fight the takeover of his mind. As the feeling increased in intensity he lowered his hands to his sides all conscious thought now gone. Turning he walked towards the computer desk and spoke.
‘What do you want?’ Brett stood for a while then turning headed out of the room.
The Doctor emerged from his hiding place and gazed down at the computer terminal then at the reconstructed tracker in his hand.
‘Oh dear… so that’s how it all started.’
Wotan and the Wombles 11/16
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, OMCs, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton, Johnson
Pairings: Jack/Ianto
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: In the Citadel of the Time Lords, about 250 million light years away from Earth, a number of elements were protected in case they fell into the wrong hands. If an exhibit was deemed to be powerful enough to corrupt in the wrong hands it was usually destroyed, or if that was found to be impossible, it was split into segments and kept apart from itself in case it were stolen.
Spoilers: Children of Earth
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Numerous ‘Womble’ references...hehe
A/N: This is a sequel to Doctor Who’s End Game. The Whole thing starts with Doctor Who and the Cathedral of Light.
Prologue here
Just off Fitzroy Square, on the outskirts of London, the TARDIS materialised with a noise like grinding metal. The sound scattered a flock of birds that took to the sky immediately on its arrival. It stood there for a moment, looking incongruous in its positioning but somehow attracting not undue attention.
As expected the left hand door opened and the smell of London filled its interior. Leaving the TARDIS the Doctor looked up at the recently completed Post Office Tower and smiled. The Year, he knew, was 1966 and England were about to win the World Cup.
Walking through the park he noticed a strange sight before him. A sight he had never personally seen before. Outside on the street another type 40 TARDIS materialised frightening the same flock of pigeons he had. Twice in one day, they became paranoid and flew off, feathers well and truly ruffled.
For some strange reason the Doctor half expected to see himself appear at the now open doorway and in a way he did. A grey haired man with a black sable cap and matching cloak walked out a smiled. He was closely followed by a young girl he instantly recognised, Dodo. In this time she looked young and full of life. The last time he had seen her was the day he’d first met Louise Ruth. He had been walking back from Dodo’s funeral when Louise Ruth had literally ran into the TARDIS demanding the use of the toilet. That had been back in 2010, but thanks to the magic of time, Dodo was young again.
Turning, Dodo smiled at the grey haired Doctor as he took her face in his hands and returned the compliment. She had so been looking forward to returning home after Steven had decided to remain behind on the last planet they’d visited, to become, of all things, the leader of the newly united Elders and Savages.
Seeing the approach of a policeman the Doctor walked away from the older looking Doctor so he could get a better view of proceedings without being arrested as a peeping tom. Heading across the road he was just in time to see the grey-haired Doctor place an out of order sign on the front of his TARDIS. Nodding the Doctor remembered the problems he’d had before he’d eventually fixed the perception filter. Now if he could get the chameleon circuit fixed he’d never have to worry again.
Looking back at the sign, swinging from the TARDIS he nodded to himself, ‘That’s useful,’ he thought, ‘in case I end up in the wrong TARDIS… could lead to a lot of explaining.’
Linking his fingers the grey-haired Doctor looked at Dodo and smiled. ‘Well I suppose you know where you are my dear?
‘London… home. It’s marvellous to be back. It seems ages since I left.’ Dodo said with a smile. The cool London air refreshing her and revitalising her as it did so.
‘Ahh… when you’ve seen the ages I’ve seen you won’t use that tone quite so freely. Anyway I don’t think it’s been all that long.’
Pointing at the out of order sign Dodo asked with a wave of her hand, ‘Hey, what’s that for?’
Turning, the Doctor placed a hand on her shoulder and walked her slowly from the TARDIS. ‘Oh well… you see… the problem with coming back to the twentieth century, my dear, the TARDIS, I’m afraid, is often mistaken for a real police box.’ As the words left his mouth the approaching policeman walked behind them and tried the door. Shaking his head he continued walking, looking for another call box.
***
‘Hope he don’t find mine… not able to get into two Police call boxes in such close proximity might just arouse his interest,’ the Doctor said as he followed the policeman’s progress away from the park.
***
‘See what you mean,’ Dodo said with a smile.
‘Yes… unfortunately he can’t get in,’ the Doctor added with a smile.
Dodo laughed, ‘If only he could. Scotland Yard whipped off into time and space.’ She continued to laugh as the Doctor’s attention was drawn elsewhere.
‘So that’s it,’ he exclaimed.
‘What?’ Dodo asked following the Doctor’s gaze. Then noticing the Post Office Tower she smiled. ‘Oh the tower… it’s finished.’
‘Isn’t that interesting… very interesting.’ The Doctor added stroking his chin as he thought.
‘Yes, great isn’t it? Steven would have liked it here.’
‘You know there’s something alien about that tower. I can sense it.’
Taking a deep breath Dodo added, ‘Smells OK to me… good old London.’
The Doctor cut in, ‘I can feel it… it’s got something… sort of powerful,’ he wrung his hands for emphasis. Then gazing down at his hands he showed them to Dodo. ‘It's... Look at my skin! Look at that! I've got that prickling sensation. The... sensation again... the same... just as I had when I fought the Daleks... those Daleks were near!’
‘Daleks… who are they?’ Dodo asked innocently.
‘Oh yes of course… you didn’t meet them did you child.’ The Doctor placed a hand over his mouth as he thought of the evil that he’d once encounter. ‘No and I prey you never will. I must investigate.’ Heading off towards the Post Office Tower Dodo smiled and followed. She had to run to catch up to him and when she did he put a grandfatherly arm around her shoulder.
***
The Doctor watched as the grey-haired Doctor and Dodo headed off down Fitzroy Street towards the Telecom Tower. Dodo, he remembered had been a sort of mental replacement for his granddaughter. At the time, he remembered, he missed her a lot… in fact… he still did. Perhaps… one day… he’d…
Shaking that thought from his mind and nodding to himself he decided to follow them. He’d like to see the old tower again… before the public were banned from it. As he walked out of the park a red squirrel watched him as if he shouldn’t be there. He nodded at the squirrel and smiled, ‘I shouldn’t… and neither will you in a few years time. Watch out for those grey squirrels, they’re murder.’
Looking up he was just in time to see the pair head off through the maze of streets beyond. He smiled and shook his head, remembering Dodo with fondness. It was good to see her again. She was so full of life.
Removing the tracker from his pocket he decided to check where the signal would take him, guessing that it would be the tower and possible confrontation with the earlier version of himself. With a look of horror he realised that the indicator light was not flashing and the LCD direction indicator was blank. Somehow using the TARDIS had shorted the power supply. Looking up at the tower he knew that there was enough power there to restart the tracker.
Putting his hands in his pockets he nodded with resignation and headed off along Fitzroy Street, then down onto Maple Street to Cleveland Mews as the tall cylindrical shape of the building loomed up before him. Entering the building he looked up at the twin lifts that had taken the other Doctor and Dodo up to the thirty fifth-floor. The lift attendant smiled at him as he pressed the button to call the lift.
‘We had Sir Billy Butlin and Tony Benn in here the other day, to open the 'Top of the Tower' restaurant on the 34th floor. It stands six hundred and twenty feet tall you know and you can see all of London on a clear day,’ he said with the smile of someone who has seen everything and wanted to talk about it. The Doctor nodded as he waited for the lift, and then smiling turned towards the operator.
‘You know one day they’ll have high-speed lifts that travel at six metres a second and take 30 seconds to reach the top.’ The attendant looked at the Doctor trying to calculate how fast that would be. ‘Did you know the Telecom… err Post Office Tower is the only building in the country that’s allowed to be evacuated by lift? Yes… it required Parliamentary legislation to be passed you know.’
Beaten at his own game the lift attendant breathed a sigh of relief as the doors opened. Entering the Doctor popped his head out and smiled, ‘The mostly circular design means that in the event of a nuclear war like Horoshima and Nagasaki the enormous blast wave would surge round it and not destroy it.’ The attendant’s mouth hung open as the Doctor retracted his head and let the doors close.
As he road up in the elevator the hairs on his arms stood up and he was filled with that old familiar feeling that made his skin creep and crawl. Only the Daleks and the super computer Wotan ever made him feel that way. Luckily this time it was Wotan that was in control of the tower.
As the doors opened on the 34th floor the Doctor removed the tracker and with dismay resigned himself to the fact that if he didn’t fix it the others would be stuck in a space time limbo waiting for him to materialise with the other points.
Sitting at the only unoccupied table he removed his sonic screwdriver and played it over the outer casing. Seeing a waiter advancing on him he quickly returned it to his pocket.
‘It’s all right Sir… I know you scientific types… they’re in here every day. Professor Brett and Sir Charles Summer are in here all the time with crazy pieces of metal, waving them around and talking gibberish.’
The Doctor had spent some time with the scientific community on Earth when his granddaughter was being educated and always felt comfortable in their presence. Smiling the Doctor nodded towards the counter and with a smile noticed a row of scones in a glass lined box.
‘Scones… jam and a dollop of fresh cream… with… a black coffee.’ His mouth began to water as he contemplated his up and coming feast. The waiter nodded as if approving the Doctor’s choice then headed off back towards the counter.
As he felt around in the pockets of his blue suit for something that might help him fix the tracker he noticed a well suited man staggering out of the lift and getting his bearings, head across towards the restaurant. Gazing around disappointedly he noticed that all the tables were taken. Finally his eyes locked onto the Doctor’s with a smile.
‘I say old boy, could a chap join you for tea and crumpets… I’ll pay, what.’
The Doctor looked at him quizzically, ‘What?’
‘The tab… the bill. I’ll be honoured to pay if you let me join you.’
Realising for the first time that he had no currency for this time period he stood and accepted the gentleman’s offer.
‘The name’s Wombwell, Barrington Wombwell… Sir Wombwell if you want but friends just call me Bingo.’
The Doctor extended his hand with a smile, ‘Are you one of the Wimbeldon Wombwell’s?’ He asked with as straight a face as he could muster. Bingo looked bemused but shook his head out of courtesy.
‘Sorry old boy, never heard of them.’
The Doctor nodded his understanding. ‘I think they’re in recycling or something on them lines… it’s an underground over ground existence… Wimbeldon… common I think.’
Bingo nodded still not sure where the conversation was going but with a British stiff upper lip continued whole heartedly. ‘From the Chester Wombwells… father was something big in the city.’
The Doctor was about to say that the Post Office Tower was bigger when his order of jam and scones arrived.
‘I take it you’ve heard that our name isn’t the best these days. Don’t get asked to society parties anymore due to my luckless brother.’
The Doctor shook his head as he began ladling copious amounts of jam onto his plate. ‘Sorry old boy never heard of him.’
Barrington smiled, coming to the conclusion that the Doctor was just saying he’d never heard of his brother as he was a gentleman and didn’t want to bring the subject up in a public place.
‘Good of you to say so old boy but it was all over the papers. When a family member is caught up in a political scandal err… ‘flagrante delicto’… err caught in the act, so to speak, there’s not much you can do about it. It’s either, carry on or take a loaded pistol and do the decent thing.’
Wombwell looked shamefaced as he spoke, his voice now in a hushed whisper. ‘The name Wombwell is mud at the moment. Usually don’t mention it anymore… don’t know why I did now… not worth mentioning really. Anyway, you didn’t tell me who you are old boy… sorry for stealing your thunder… big mouth and all that, what.’
‘What…’ the Doctor said then smiled. ‘I’m the Doctor.’ The Doctor said as he extended his hand towards the newly arrived scones.
‘Doctor who?’ Bingo asked as he nodded to the waiter. An extra cup of coffee was brought for him and without another word both men took their first bite.
‘Marvellous… absolutely marvellous… you know you can’t get anything that tastes as good as this anywhere in the galaxy… err… world…. Oh and err... it’s just Doctor.’
Not too sure what he meant Bingo decided to change the subject. ‘Well Doctor… are you here for the press conference tonight?’
As he swallowed a mouth full of cream pitted with strawberry jam the Doctor felt more relaxed than he had in a long time. He remembered the press conference where Wotan was first introduced to the public and nodded.
‘Yes… I’ll be there; couldn’t miss Wotan’s great unveiling.’
‘Wotan… is that what he’s calling it?’
‘Yes… stands for Will Operating Thought Analogue, basically a computer that thinks.’
Bingo looked sceptical, ‘A computer that thinks, what…ehh. Don’t like the sound of that old boy.’ Bingo took another bite of his scone leaving a thin white line of cream around his upper lip.
‘If you don’t mind me asking, Orinoco… err… Bingo, what are you doing here if you’re not a scientist?’ Bingo nodded as he whipped his mouth with the napkin provided.
‘I’m a civil servant, Whitehall and all that. I’ve been sent by Sir Charles Summer to keep an eye on things… you know hush, hush and all that.’ Bingo tapped the side of his nose with his index finger as he took another sip of coffee. ‘We’ve been told that this Wotan is shortly to be linked up to other major computers around the world. Need to do a feasibility study… national security and all that. Don’t want Johnny Foreigner to get his hands on all our secrets, what.’
The Doctor nodded in agreement as he ate the last of his scone. Sitting back he took a mouthful of coffee and wondered how the other groups were getting on. Even though he’d gone first the others would arrive back at the same time as he will if he can get the tracker fixed and find the star point.
***
Leaving Bingo to pay the bill the Doctor headed up to the next floor and cautiously peered out. A man he assumed was Professor Brett wandered around a bank of computers twisting dials and examining readouts. Nodding with satisfaction the Doctor realised that the grey-haired Doctor must have left and Brett was alone with his assistant Polly.
Smiling he watched Polly and felt that something was missing. Then it hit him… she was alone. Ben… Ben Jackson… that was his name, he was missing. Then he remembered she didn’t know Ben yet. She would have to go to the Inferno club that night before she would meet him. She’d once told him that Ben had saved her honour when he threw out a man that had been hitting on her all night. That meant the other Doctor would be at the press conference along with the professor.
Heading back in the lift he decided to hide out of the way until the professor left the building. That would give him enough time to fix the tracker and find the star point then head off back to the TARDIS.
Taking the lift to the top floor the Doctor walked passed the water tanks and lift motors and gazed out over the London he knew and loved. Kneeling down he removed the tracker and began removing the outer casing.
‘Doctor… may I ask the nature of this impromptu visit.’ Startled the Doctor looked up to see a smiling Barrington Wombwell looking down at him.
‘Tobermory old boy, good to see you again.’ The Doctor stood and extended his hand even thought it had only been half an hour since their last meeting.
‘Err… the name’s Bingo, Doctor, and I’m here snooping, what.’
The Doctor nodded, ‘Ahh… yes MI5 and all that. Well, Bulgaria, old boy, let’s snoop.’
Shaking his head Bingo followed the Doctor as he removed the sonic screw driver and played it across the floor. ‘I say old boy is that one of those James Bond gadgets?’
Looking at the screwdriver the Doctor nodded, ‘Straight from Q branch. Roger Moore would be proud.’
Bingo gave a slight laugh, ‘Err you mean Sean Connery old boy… Roger Moore’s the Saint. They’d never get him to play Bond… not with those eyebrows.’
The Doctor turned to look at Bingo and smiled. ‘You never know, Tomsk, my old friend. Stranger things can happen.’ Bending forward the Doctor undid the screw from the floor plating and lifted a section to one side. Gazing down he could see the floor beneath him through a polystyrene false ceiling. Removing a single tile the Doctor looked down into the control room. To his surprise the room was empty.
‘Give me a hand,’ the Doctor said as Barrington began lowering him to the floor below. Looking up the Doctor gestured for Barrington to follow. Dropping as silently as he could they both waited. It seemed that their entrance had gone unnoticed. Finding a brush near the window the Doctor flicked the tile back in place then retreated behind the computer console. Kneeling out of sight the Doctor removed the screws from the back of the computer and gazed inside.
‘What are you doing Doctor… that thing cost the taxpayers a packet you know.’
Laying on his back the Doctor gazed inside at the computers workings. ‘My dear Bungo, if you want to find out if this piece of equipment is a security risk to Her Majesty the Queen then we need to see inside… yes?’
Bingo nodded and crouched down next to the Doctor who, to his horror was removing sections of circuit board and reattaching wires as he went. Smoke began bellowing from the machine as the Doctor slammed his knee into the side of the metal casing.
‘That’s got it… just a few mechanical problems and now they’re sorted.’ More sparks flashed from the inside of the computer as the Doctor replaced the outer casing. Picking up the circuit board he’d removed and rewired, he nodded and smiled. There’s my beauty… she should do the trick no problem.’
Sitting with his back to the computer he removed the tracker and began taking it apart. Bingo was about to protest when the double doors at the front of the room opened and Professor Brett entered. Placing his briefcase on one of the tables he walked towards the phone just as it rang. As he answered Bingo ducked down behind the consol and confronted the Doctor.
‘We’ve got to get out of here… Brett’s back.’ Removing the casing from the tracker the Doctor noticed the blackened burned out components. Smiling he began replacing them with parts for the more bulky circuit board. Ignoring the Doctor, Bingo looked over the top of the terminal and gazed at Brett and wondered how long it would be before they were caught.
Professor Brett held a phone to one ear and looked as impatient as any man could be. The repetitive noise of the computer buzzed throughout the room as Professor Brett spoke curtly on the phone.
‘I have to go now I’m already late for an important meeting now good night.’ Brett placed the receiver back in its cradle and, picking up his briefcase, turned to walk out of the room. A feeling of unease crept over him and turning back towards the intercom system he summoned Major Green who was in charge of security.
‘You wanted something Professor,’ the Major asked as he entered the room. Dressed in a tan suit and sporting a black moustache and regimental tie he gave the room a cursory glance as if looking for possible intruders.
‘Have you been here all day Major?’ Brett asked with an air of authority Major Green had never liked.
‘Yes of course,’ he replied defensively.
‘Are you sure this building’s properly screened?’ He turned an accusing eye on Major Green who took all comments Brett said as personal insults.
‘If you have any complaints-’ Brett cut him off curtly.
‘I have. There’s someone in this part of the building.’
‘I’m sorry Sir not at all possible. We have a complete security check on this part of the building day and night.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive,’ the Major said with the confidence of a man that wasn’t used to his plans being questioned.
Bingo cringed behind the consol wondering why his uncle had talked him into this job in the first place. He wasn’t one of those undercover Jonnies you saw in the movies. He was a desk jockey if there ever was one.
‘It’s funny…’ Brett turned away from the Major. ‘I’ve had a feeling all day of someone there… someone listening to me… watching me.’ Changing his grip on his briefcase he headed for the door and threw it open. Quickly he gazed outside into the corridor but no one was there to listening. Looking both ways he shook his head then closed the door. Retreating back into the room he headed back to the Major.
‘Do you think he can sense us watching?’ Barrington whispered in the Doctor’s ear.
The Doctor nodded as he continued the construction of the tracker, ‘Perhaps.’
‘There’s only the two of us in this part of the tower Sir,’ the Major’s voice could be heard clearly over the noise the computer was making.
‘I suppose you must be right.’ Brett said rubbing his forehead with his free hand. ‘I’m sorry Major, I must be getting tired.’
‘Ahh… that’s all right.’ Major Green said as he turned and headed for the door. ‘Oh will you be working late tonight professor?’ Looking at his watch the professor flinched.
‘No, no good heavens no, I must be off I’m late. Thank you Major.’ He added with a nod.
‘Good night Sir.’ The Major said as he turned and left the room. The air filled with static electricity and immediately bombarded Brett’s thought processes as a high pitched hum filled the room. As it continued to affect the electricity of his thought patterns Brett staggered to one side. Lights flashed across his vision in a circular motion causing him to feel nauseous and giddy.
‘It’s ridiculous. I must be imagining things.’ As the effects increased Brett felt his consciousness shutting down. ‘It’s quite ridiculous.’ Staggering backward Brett dropped his brief case and held his fists up to his eyes to try and fight the takeover of his mind. As the feeling increased in intensity he lowered his hands to his sides all conscious thought now gone. Turning he walked towards the computer desk and spoke.
‘What do you want?’ Brett stood for a while then turning headed out of the room.
The Doctor emerged from his hiding place and gazed down at the computer terminal then at the reconstructed tracker in his hand.
‘Oh dear… so that’s how it all started.’
Wotan and the Wombles 11/16