Chapter Four - The Invisible Enemy
Chapter Four - The Invisible Enemy
Ianto tried to shout but his mouth seemed to be filled with a liquid substance that made him choke when he took in a lung full of air. Coughing and spluttering his eyesight returned but his senses still eluded him. Before him a small bowl hovered in the air close to his face as water ran from his nose and mouth. Looking around frantically he saw Alonso stirring beside him, both arms were tied behind his back. Then it hit him, the bowl wasn’t floating it was held by a Spiridon… and invisible Spiridon.
‘Hi…’ he tried to speak but found it difficult. Coughing he managed to clear his throat and try again. ‘Hi, my name’s Ianto… Ianto Jones… I’m a friend.’ His English was slow as if he had been talking to a child. The reply was just as slow as if the speaker had deliberately mimicked his speech to accommodate him.
‘I am Webber… and how are you feeling Ianto, Ianto Jones?’ The bowl floated closer to him and eagerly he took it and swallowed a mouthful of water.
‘I’m fine now… what happened.’ His speech returned to normal as did the Spiridon’s.
‘We had to stop you… you were running into a patrol. The masters send to the ground anything that moves when they are out on patrol.’ Ianto looked in the general direction the voice was coming from and smiled. The speaker was female, he was sure and the voice, now he could hear it properly, was soft and smooth like audible silk. Looking down at Alonso Ianto placed a hand on his brow and he began to stir. ‘Your mate is fine as well. He will wake refreshed soon.’ Ianto quickly removed his hand and held it up in protest.
‘No… no, he’s not my mate… well not in the sense that we err… mate. More of a northern friend… err… mate type… if you know what I mean.’ Grimacing in thought Ianto added, ‘Does this planet have a north… I mean it has to have a north but do people live… it is not important.’ Ianto felt the presence move away from him and noticed grass and foliage compress under the invisible weight. ‘I have upset you Ianto Ianto Jones… I apologise.’
Ianto was quick to shake his head. ‘No… you haven’t upset me… it’s just… if you bump into a man like me, called Jack Harkness… don’t mention this conversation… err about Alonso being my mate… err …you understand… we’re just friends… sort of… well not really. I tell you what, I’ll shut up now.’
The presence moved closer to Ianto and taking his hands lifted him into a standing position. As he stood he fell forward and had to grab hold of the Spiridon who stood in front of him. Her flesh felt warm and smooth and her body type, he surmised was defiantly human. Realising that he was touching Webber’s breast he quickly pulled away and apologised. ‘Err… sorry… err… about the breast thing… didn’t mean.’
‘Am I to understand that I shouldn’t tell the Jack Harkness that you Ianto Ianto Jones touched my breast either?’
Ianto went a dark shade of red as he waved his hands frantically in front of him. ‘Definitely not; let’s say the breast was never touched and leave it at that. Oh and just call me Ianto… it doesn’t matter about the rest.’
‘I think I’ll tell Jack that you tried to ‘cop a feel,’ I think that’s the term you earth people use, of a naked Spiridon. I’ve got to tell the truth you know.’ Then thinking for a moment Alonso added, ‘Do you always walk around naked?’ A small giggle came from the trees to his right and turning, he saw the bushes part slightly as if making way for another, invisible, Spiridon.
‘We have cloaks for night time to help keep us warm but find them impractical in the heat of the day.’
***
Agent Johnson took the large container of water from Rebec and helped her carry the vegetables she had selected. They looked like vegetables and plants that grew on Earth but the colours were totally different. Large carrots were a deep purple rather than their usual orange and the potatoes were bright green. Despite this Rebec told her that they tasted the same and were very nourishing. It took them a few unnerving moments to find the TARDIS despite the graves that lay adjacent to the entrance. Instead of two they found four and were confronted with a fifth body when both Evans and Barrett dragged it out into the sunlight.
‘This is the last… I’m sure.’ Barrett said as they dropped the corpse of the werewolf into a prepared hole. ‘We found a dozen cages on one level but all of the occupants were dead. The one that attacked us had probably only survived by eating the corpses of its fellow inmates.’
Evans grimaced, ‘We found a pile of bones that had been picked clean.’ Picking up the shovels they began burying the bodies in the rich fertile earth.
As Johnson and Rebec headed into the cool interior of the TARDIS Evens felt a strange sensation that they were being watched. Standing upright he noticed the bushes that Johnson and the Thal female had emerged from begin to rustle. Nudging Barrett they stood open mouthed as, what appeared to be two self-propelled robots broke cover and headed towards them. They were grey in colour and reminded Evans of dustbins on wheels and he recognised them immediately from UNIT files. As lights on their outer casings began to flash a strange metallic voice emanated from them.
‘Stay… where… you… are. Do… not… move… or… you… will… be… exterminated.’
***
As best as they could Alonso and Ianto followed the two Spiridons through the dense jungle. Watching, the trees were pushed back and the grass and plants were crushed underfoot. They used this marker as their only guide as to which direction to follow.
One moment Ianto was walking through a dense forest with Alonso trailing behind then the next an invisible hand gripped Ianto on the arm and held him, forcing him to the ground. Looking round he noticed that Alonso was getting the same treatment. He was about to say something when the same hand released him and covered his mouth.
Up ahead he noticed the trees were moving and shaking as if an animal were approaching. Nodding his understanding he lay flat to the ground as leaves and bushes were placed over the top of him. Through the foliage he saw them pushing their way through the undergrowth as the trees tried to bar their way. He’d seen these before and knew instantly the evil Spiridon was hiding. The top half was almost invisible but the studded bottom half was instantly recognisable as it seemed to glide passed then. They lay only inches away as death passed so close Ianto could feel a breeze caused by their passing. If that hadn’t given it away the voice that emanated from the two sealed the deal for Ianto.
‘Patrol… one… reports… that… they… have… captured… a… group… of… Thals. We… are… to… be… on… the… lookout… for… any… insurgents… our… sector.’
The metallic voice sent shivers up Ianto’s spine and he broke out in a cold sweat despite the heat of the day. When they had passed by he realised that he had been holding his breath and let it out slowly and carefully as if any noise would bring them back.
When he thought it was safe he leaned over to Alonso and whispered, ‘They must have captured Codal and Latep when they ran away from us. Who knows what’s happened to them now.’
***
As darkness fell, animal sounds fill the night air. Something large flew overhead, roaring like a tiger. Creatures with glowing orange eyes followed them as the heat of the day was replaced by the freezing cold of the night. Taron motioned for them to leave the track and head off across open ground to the plain of stones.
The cold gripped Louise Ruth as darkness surrounded them and walking became harder. She felt her hair begin to freeze and the sweat from walking go cold on her body. She felt the onset of cramp as her limbs protested. Even in the dark she could see her breath below from her mouth as if she were a ninety a day smoker.
‘Just over this hill… I’m sure,’ Taron said as they cut through a small hedge row.
Jack brought up the rear and, taking Louise Ruth’s hand, helped her over the hedgerow. The difference in temperature was perceptible and almost uncomfortable, Louise Ruth thought as she headed down towards the giant boulders. She opened the front of her coat and removed the scarf she’d been wearing since last light, the heat was that great.
‘Now this is what I’m talking about.’ Unbuttoning her coat she was about to remove it when she caught sight of a pair of eyes watching her from the darkness beyond. Moving closer to Jack she gripped his hand tightly as they headed into an open area surrounded by heat wielding stones. ‘I see what Jo meant when she said the heat attracts every kind of animal around.’
Steven, the UNIT soldier, dropped a pile of sticks in the centre of the clearing, directed to do so by Taron who began lighting the pile. Heading back into the shadows for a second pile Steven disappeared from view momentarily. Jack was just about to shout after him when an explosion threw Steven back into the camp. Jack didn’t have to examine him to realise that he was dead. His eyes had been burnt out and his face was black and charred.
Jack turned to look where the blast had come from when three silver shapes detached from the darkness and entered the camp. Jack pulled Louise Ruth backward almost throwing her into the surrounding bushes. Taking a single step forward, standing over Steven’s body he noticed that Taron had also dove for cover. Drawing his Webley he took aim at the nearest shape.
‘Over here you sons of bitches!’ he screamed drawing their attention away from Louise Ruth and towards himself. He just managed to pull the trigger twice before their energy weapons were discharged in his direction. He was happy to see an eye stork explode before he was cut down in a flash of pain and light.
‘Warning… my… vision… is… impaired… my… vision… is… impaired.’ The disabled Dalek chanted as Jack fell.
Louise Ruth watched from her hiding place, tears running freely down her cheeks. She knew that Jack would come back but to see him die saving her life was a different thing altogether. Her hand scrabbled in the darkness and wrapped itself around a section of wood about as long as her leg, but thick and heavy. With her stun gun unable to latch onto their metal casing, she decided she would use the club if they came anywhere near her.
Seeing Jack fall, Taron knew that it wouldn’t be long before they found the TARDIS and Rebec. He’d lived all his life in the shadow of the Daleks, his fear dictating everything he did. He’d see friends, family butchered before his eyes when he was a child. He’d lived by their will, forcing him into a work camp before coming of age and waiting to be slaughtered like the rest of his race. He had escaped and managed to return to Skaro only to continue the fight, but no more. He’d been pushed as far as he would go and no further. Picking up a small rock he screamed at the top of his voice, ‘Death to the Daleks!’
The rock slammed into the second Dalek dislodging its upper dome and throwing it onto one side. The green biological part of the Dalek rolled free of the outer casing to be crushed by the blind Dalek in its panic. Taron threw himself at the third Dalek just as its energy weapon discharged. His blackened corpse slammed into it knocking it to the ground.
Jack groaned and sat up with a start. He hated dying; he never felt good afterward. Rolling over he squinted and blinked couldn’t believe what he saw. Louise Ruth, he was sure it was her, wooden club in hand, was giving the blind Dalek the punishment he’d only dreamed of dishing out. The energy weapon had long since been destroyed, the remainder still hung limply from the socket it had once been attached to. Over a dozen dents decorated its dome and both voice indication lights, he noticed, had also been destroyed.
‘Help… help… I… am… under… attack. Help.’ Oblivious to its pleas for mercy Louise Ruth slammed the makeshift club into the battered Dalek sending a clawed hand spinning off into the darkness.
‘Sgt. Donny Donowitz, eat your heart out.’ Louise Ruth said as Jack approached her. ‘Fenway Park here I come.’ He noticed that she stood with one foot on the third Dalek who was still intact, but on its back, firing its energy weapon harmlessly into the blackness beyond. She turned at his approach and smiled as he removed his Webley. Kicking the dome from the prone Dalek he aimed his pistol at the biological part hidden from view inside the casing.
‘Well if you’re the ‘Bear Jew,’ I get to be Hugo Stiglitz.’ With that he fired two rounds into the green, writhing mass at his feet. It had time to squeal only once before it died. Turning on the battered and beaten Dalek Louise Ruth slammed the wood just below its dome sending it spinning off into the night.
‘Hugo Stiglitz,’ Louise Ruth said as Jack fired his remaining two rounds inside the Dalek’s casing. ‘We just wanted to say we’re a big fan of your work.’ Jack smiled recognising the quote. ‘But… I had you more as an Aldo Raine…’
Jack’s smile widened then turning to Louise Ruth added, ‘I was at Fenway Park once… when it first opened,’ he said changing the subject. ‘Oh… 1912…April I think… just before the First World War. Them were the days,’ Jack continued as they walked away from the Daleks and gazed down at the recently demised Thal. ‘Cy Young, Babe Ruth, Jimmy Collins, Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker… I’ve seen them all.’ Placing the length of wood on one shoulder Louise Ruth gazed down at Taron and then at Steven and shook her head in dismay. ‘The Red Sox beat the New York Highlanders seven, six in the eleventh inning that day.’
‘New York Highlanders… never heard of them.’
‘The very next year they changed their name and became know as the Yankees.’ Louise Ruth smiled as Jack added. ‘Probably to hide the shame.’
‘There’s nothing like the Red Sox to get me all fired up.’ Her voice trailed off to a whisper as she knelt next to Steven’s body. Jack turned towards her.
‘Don’t touch him. It’ll look like they had a fight and both sides killed each other. May stop them looking for us for a while.’ Louise Ruth nodded and stood. ‘We better get out of here,’ Jack added as he tried to gaze out into the surrounding darkness. ‘They have a warning device built into their casings. Another patrol will be here soon.’ Staying in the Plain of Stones and taking advantage of the warmth they moved away from the clearing and found a place where they could hide as well as keep watch on the Daleks.
‘So the Red Sox beat the Yankees… first game at Fenway?’ Jack nodded. ‘Now that would be a time I’d like to go back to. Would have made the front page if the Titanic hadn’t sunk days before.’
‘The Titanic…’
Jack nodded. ‘Took them a day to find me. I woke onboard the liner Carpathia. I think they were as surprised as I was. Told them it was something to do with the cold water.’
‘Wait… you were on-board the Titanic?’
Jack again nodded. ‘I’m telling you… me and Molly Brown… we were like that.’ He crossed two fingers and showed them to Louise Ruth. ‘On more than one occasion… unsinkable she went down…’ he was going to continue until Louise Ruth curled her face into a grimace and held up a hand to stop him.
‘A little too much detail there,’ she said waving her hand in Jack’s direction.
‘The Titanic sank on the fourteenth and the match was scheduled for the eighteenth. When I finally made it to Boston on the twentieth they told me the match and been postponed because of the rain. I just made it to the game in time.’
‘Tell me about the game… what happened… do you remember?’
Jack smiled, ‘I remember is as if it was yesterday. Buck O’Brian had taken three runs at the top of the first. By the third innings the Red Sox were five, one down and believe me, after what I’d been through, I was ready for home. Then they replaced O’Brian with… Charley Hall in the fourth and the Red Sox never looked back. After nine innings we’d taken it to six each then Steve Yerkes finished it at Seven Six… What a day. I ended up in bed with…’ Louise Ruth held up a hand a second time to stop him as five more Daleks entered the clearing.
‘I know this sounds strange but… I thought the Daleks were supposed to be some kind of great evil. I mean… don’t get me wrong they were killers but… how do we know that they weren’t just defending themselves when they attacked Steven? The Thal did attack them first… that’s why he died… and… another thing. I took them out with a stick of wood. Surely any modern army would have a field day battling it against a set of remote control dust bins. Talk about being out gunned. It would be like fighting a group of pensioners in wheel chars… I mean… am I wrong or am I missing something here?’ Looking at the Daleks below one last time Jack sat back and contemplated the situation.
‘These are Daleks but…’ he thought then added, ‘this bunch isn’t designed for war. Probably admin workers pressed into the role due to lack of numbers. I’ve come up against the real thing on more than one occasion and believe me… heavy weaponry wouldn’t put a dint in their Dalekanium.’
‘What’s Dalekanium when it’s at home? I’ve never heard of it.’ Louise Ruth asked as she too glanced over at the small group that congregated around the dead below. Their metallic voices reverberated throughout the clearing below.
‘It’s a bonded polycarbide that’s reinforced. This group doesn’t seem to have been given the advantage of the reinforcement.’ Louise Ruth nodded as she glanced down at the stick of wood she still carried and felt better for it.
***
Agent Johnson saw the two Daleks approach Evans and Barrett and immediately grabbed the shot gun Louise Ruth had used on the werewolf. Checking the load she realised with dismay that it only contained a single round. If she missed with the first shot they would both hit her from different angles and there would be nothing she could do about it. To her surprise she noticed Sergeant Barrette’s 5.56mm Colt M4A3 with 40mm Colt M203 Grenade Launcher attached lying on one of the glass tables near the entrance.
‘Now this’ll do nicely.’ She said as she placed the shotgun down and picked up the M203. It too had a single 40mm round in the breach but that would be enough, she knew. Opening the door to the TARDIS she wasn’t surprised to see both Evans and Barrett knelt down in the grass with their hands placed on their heads in surrender. Both Daleks had they backs to her having not registered the fact that the TARDIS was anything other than a rock outcropping.
Aiming the M203 between both Daleks she nodded at the two UNIT men. In unison they dove for cover as far from the Daleks as they could. Both just had time to swivel their eye storks in the direction they had dove when Johnson fired the M203. The first Dalek almost disintegrated under the impact of the round as it exploded against its outer shell. The second Dalek was thrown onto its side, both its primary weapon and extendable claw were blown free of its casing, along with shards of Dalekanium from the first Dalek that acted like shrapnel and peppered its hull, penetrating the Dalek within.
Leaping from cover Evans and Barrett were on the remains of the second Dalek before it realised what was happening. Its dome, now badly damaged was opened and removing his SIG SAUR P226 Barrett fired three rounds into the casing. Still in shock from the initial attack Evans looked up at Johnson and gave her a feeble wave of thanks.
‘They… they were just about to kill us… for no reason other than they thought… we were Thals. I can see why the Thals are the way they are… having to fight that kind of evil on a daily basis.’ Looking down at the M203 fondly Johnson threw it at Barrett.
‘Let’s find the others… in case there’s any more of these things running around.’ Both UNIT operatives nodded and headed back towards the TARDIS mentally prepared for anything. What they didn’t expect was the sun to go down and retreating into the warmth of the TARDIS decided that they should wait for first light before setting out.
‘Running around in the dark… we could stumble into anything… besides… Rebec’s made food.’ Evans smiled as the word food was mentioned. He was starving, especially after the incident with the Daleks.
***
Ianto and Alonso continued through the bush still not comfortable in each others presence as the heat blistered down upon them.
‘You’re sweating Ianto… do you want to borrow a handkerchief?’ Alonso was bearing up well in the heat, much to Ianto’s disappointment. He could feel the sweat trickling down his neck and soaking his shirt. He’d long since removed his jacket and tie and would have thrown them if they hadn’t been a present from Jack.
‘No… it’s ok… I’m fine,’ he said as the sweat began to sting his eyes. ‘It’s just like Barry during the summer.’ Barry was like a fridge in summer compared to this, he thought. What annoyed Ianto more than Alonso offering help was the undeniable fact that he wasn’t sweating, not in the least.
‘Who’s this Barry then… and how hot is he in the summer?’ Ianto gritted his teeth and deliberately let a branch spring back at Alonso who was now following closely.
‘That’s Barry Island… in Wales… the UK… Earth. My father used to take us there on holiday when we were kids.’ Alonso just managed to duck the branch in time.
‘If they call people from Wales Welsh… are people from Barry all called Barry?’ Ianto stopped abruptly and bent forward as if to tie his shoe lace. Alonso, unable to stop in time slammed into the back of him. Standing up Ianto looked incensed.
‘You just can’t help yourself can you? It’s all bottoms with you isn’t it?’ Ignoring him Alonso strode passed him, glad to be in front. ‘So… Alonso… my old trout and toolbox… what do they call people from Sto…stowaways?’ Ianto kept a few paces back waiting for the snapping branch.
‘They’re called… people from Sto…’ Alonso let that hang in the air, fighting against Ianto’s silence. The silence continued until they came to a small camp filled with purple fur wearing figures preparing to bed down for the night, Ianto thought, if he understood their actions correctly. Spiridons were easier to talk to, Ianto realised, when they were covered in fur, a lot easier than talking to Alonso clothed. Not only did he have a point of reference where he could look at when speaking to Webber, but the realisation that they were naked didn’t apply, because of the fur.
‘How far are we from the main compound Webber?’ A noise to his right made him turn as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
‘I am Webber… that is my brother Banter.’ Ianto heard a small giggle coming from the fur in front of him. It seemed that Banter was laughing at him. ‘Just ignore my brother… he likes to play tricks.’ Ianto nodded and was about to ask his question a second time when Webber answered it. ‘We are only half a sun from the compound but things will be difficult when we get there.’ Ianto looked at the purple fur as he thought. He hadn’t asked why the Spiridons were travelling to the compound in the first place. If they wanted to contact the Daleks why were they hiding from their patrols?
‘What is going to happen when we get to the compound Webber.’
She was silent for a while then eventually she answered in a voice filled with emotion. ‘My father was a great leader… his name was Wester. He organised and ran the resistance to fight against the Daleks. He eventually died… giving his life for his beloved planet.’ Ianto nodded, aware that she had not yet answered his question. ‘He was a great man… and… we strive to be worthy of that greatness.’
She paused as if gathering her resolve. ‘There are a number of Daleks at the compound that want a return to the way it was under their rule. They have opened up most of the floors and are trying to revive the ten thousand of their number that are kept down their in suspended animation… frozen in ice.’
Ianto gasped at the thought of the destruction and death ten thousand Daleks could rain on, not just this planet and solar system but every galaxy out there. They could start again and the Doctor’s sacrifice would have been for nothing. ‘Don’t try to stop us Ianto Jones… we have made up our minds. The Daleks must die… whatever the cost.’
Ianto shook his head, and then realising what he was doing began to nod. ‘I wasn’t going to stop you Webber… we was going to join you… help you destroy this evil before it spreads.’ Despite her invisibility Ianto knew that she was smiling. Before he could say anything he felt her lips touch his in a soft embrace. As quickly as it started the kiss ended in a giggle.
‘Don’t worry Ianto Jones I will not tell the Jack Harkness… if I ever meet him.’
As the light dimmed and the sun dropped down passed the horizon a fur blanket was passed to both Ianto and Alonso. To his surprise, Webber laid Ianto’s on the ground and pulled hers over her invisible body. Not sure what to do next he felt invisible hands forcing him under next to her. He was about to protest when Banter moved in behind him. Alonso was also forced to join them and another invisible figure lay behind him. Looking round Ianto noticed that they lay in a circle, each shearing the other’s warmth.
‘If I get excited during the night just ignore me… it will wear off quickly,’ Banter said then began to giggle again.
‘Ignore my brother,’ Webber added and taking hold of Ianto’s arm pulled it around her body for maximum warmth. Ianto was about to protest when Webber continued speaking. ‘I will not tell the Jack Harkness we slept together either… Ianto Jones.’ Ianto breathed a sigh of relief then fell asleep.
***
Carrying the Colt M4A3 in the crook of his arm Sergeant Barrett took lead as they cut through the jungle keeping to the exposed pathway as much as they could. Agent Johnston followed four paces behind, the shotgun covering both sides of the track as she moved. Bringing up the rear Evans was empty handed. The SIG SAUR P226 was in its holster at his hip ready for a quick draw if necessary.
Using the TARDIS’s mapping computer they had located the main compound only two miles from their position. With the warmth of the day coming in a rush sweat covered the back of their shirts as they walked. Each soldier wore a UNIT baseball cap to shield them from the sun’s blinding rays. Most of their focus was on the terrain before them but Evans, who stopped every hundred feet, checked their rear.
They were in enemy territory and they were on full alert, ready for almost anything. They were professionals trained in the most hazardous jungles Earth had to offer. No words were spoken as they moved quietly through the bush. If they had to communicate Barrett would give a hand signal which Johnson passed back to Evans.
Dropping into a crouch Barrett held up a hand and made a fist. Johnson quickly followed suit joined by Evans moments later. Nothing moved around them as if they knew the destruction they could bring to bare on anything that impeded their progress. After two minutes of silence Barrett pointed to his left and turning to face Johnson pointed at his own eyes with two fingers then pointed back into the bush.
Turning Johnson stared into the jungle but couldn’t see anything at first until it moved. A single branch seemed to wobble on its own moving against any breeze that passed through the thick forest. Someone, she knew, had moved that branch and that someone had been watching them.
A strangled cry came from behind her and turning, she noticed Evans standing as if pinned to an invisible tree. Turning back to Barrett she realised he was in a similar position. The Colt had been taken from him and his arms were pinned to his sides. Levelling the shotgun at Barrett she tried to see what was holding him but couldn’t make anything out. As she looked back at Evans, panic now showing in her eyes her firearm was wrenched from her grasp and dropped to the leafy ground.
Chapter Five - The Compound of the Daleks
Ianto tried to shout but his mouth seemed to be filled with a liquid substance that made him choke when he took in a lung full of air. Coughing and spluttering his eyesight returned but his senses still eluded him. Before him a small bowl hovered in the air close to his face as water ran from his nose and mouth. Looking around frantically he saw Alonso stirring beside him, both arms were tied behind his back. Then it hit him, the bowl wasn’t floating it was held by a Spiridon… and invisible Spiridon.
‘Hi…’ he tried to speak but found it difficult. Coughing he managed to clear his throat and try again. ‘Hi, my name’s Ianto… Ianto Jones… I’m a friend.’ His English was slow as if he had been talking to a child. The reply was just as slow as if the speaker had deliberately mimicked his speech to accommodate him.
‘I am Webber… and how are you feeling Ianto, Ianto Jones?’ The bowl floated closer to him and eagerly he took it and swallowed a mouthful of water.
‘I’m fine now… what happened.’ His speech returned to normal as did the Spiridon’s.
‘We had to stop you… you were running into a patrol. The masters send to the ground anything that moves when they are out on patrol.’ Ianto looked in the general direction the voice was coming from and smiled. The speaker was female, he was sure and the voice, now he could hear it properly, was soft and smooth like audible silk. Looking down at Alonso Ianto placed a hand on his brow and he began to stir. ‘Your mate is fine as well. He will wake refreshed soon.’ Ianto quickly removed his hand and held it up in protest.
‘No… no, he’s not my mate… well not in the sense that we err… mate. More of a northern friend… err… mate type… if you know what I mean.’ Grimacing in thought Ianto added, ‘Does this planet have a north… I mean it has to have a north but do people live… it is not important.’ Ianto felt the presence move away from him and noticed grass and foliage compress under the invisible weight. ‘I have upset you Ianto Ianto Jones… I apologise.’
Ianto was quick to shake his head. ‘No… you haven’t upset me… it’s just… if you bump into a man like me, called Jack Harkness… don’t mention this conversation… err about Alonso being my mate… err …you understand… we’re just friends… sort of… well not really. I tell you what, I’ll shut up now.’
The presence moved closer to Ianto and taking his hands lifted him into a standing position. As he stood he fell forward and had to grab hold of the Spiridon who stood in front of him. Her flesh felt warm and smooth and her body type, he surmised was defiantly human. Realising that he was touching Webber’s breast he quickly pulled away and apologised. ‘Err… sorry… err… about the breast thing… didn’t mean.’
‘Am I to understand that I shouldn’t tell the Jack Harkness that you Ianto Ianto Jones touched my breast either?’
Ianto went a dark shade of red as he waved his hands frantically in front of him. ‘Definitely not; let’s say the breast was never touched and leave it at that. Oh and just call me Ianto… it doesn’t matter about the rest.’
‘I think I’ll tell Jack that you tried to ‘cop a feel,’ I think that’s the term you earth people use, of a naked Spiridon. I’ve got to tell the truth you know.’ Then thinking for a moment Alonso added, ‘Do you always walk around naked?’ A small giggle came from the trees to his right and turning, he saw the bushes part slightly as if making way for another, invisible, Spiridon.
‘We have cloaks for night time to help keep us warm but find them impractical in the heat of the day.’
***
Agent Johnson took the large container of water from Rebec and helped her carry the vegetables she had selected. They looked like vegetables and plants that grew on Earth but the colours were totally different. Large carrots were a deep purple rather than their usual orange and the potatoes were bright green. Despite this Rebec told her that they tasted the same and were very nourishing. It took them a few unnerving moments to find the TARDIS despite the graves that lay adjacent to the entrance. Instead of two they found four and were confronted with a fifth body when both Evans and Barrett dragged it out into the sunlight.
‘This is the last… I’m sure.’ Barrett said as they dropped the corpse of the werewolf into a prepared hole. ‘We found a dozen cages on one level but all of the occupants were dead. The one that attacked us had probably only survived by eating the corpses of its fellow inmates.’
Evans grimaced, ‘We found a pile of bones that had been picked clean.’ Picking up the shovels they began burying the bodies in the rich fertile earth.
As Johnson and Rebec headed into the cool interior of the TARDIS Evens felt a strange sensation that they were being watched. Standing upright he noticed the bushes that Johnson and the Thal female had emerged from begin to rustle. Nudging Barrett they stood open mouthed as, what appeared to be two self-propelled robots broke cover and headed towards them. They were grey in colour and reminded Evans of dustbins on wheels and he recognised them immediately from UNIT files. As lights on their outer casings began to flash a strange metallic voice emanated from them.
‘Stay… where… you… are. Do… not… move… or… you… will… be… exterminated.’
***
As best as they could Alonso and Ianto followed the two Spiridons through the dense jungle. Watching, the trees were pushed back and the grass and plants were crushed underfoot. They used this marker as their only guide as to which direction to follow.
One moment Ianto was walking through a dense forest with Alonso trailing behind then the next an invisible hand gripped Ianto on the arm and held him, forcing him to the ground. Looking round he noticed that Alonso was getting the same treatment. He was about to say something when the same hand released him and covered his mouth.
Up ahead he noticed the trees were moving and shaking as if an animal were approaching. Nodding his understanding he lay flat to the ground as leaves and bushes were placed over the top of him. Through the foliage he saw them pushing their way through the undergrowth as the trees tried to bar their way. He’d seen these before and knew instantly the evil Spiridon was hiding. The top half was almost invisible but the studded bottom half was instantly recognisable as it seemed to glide passed then. They lay only inches away as death passed so close Ianto could feel a breeze caused by their passing. If that hadn’t given it away the voice that emanated from the two sealed the deal for Ianto.
‘Patrol… one… reports… that… they… have… captured… a… group… of… Thals. We… are… to… be… on… the… lookout… for… any… insurgents… our… sector.’
The metallic voice sent shivers up Ianto’s spine and he broke out in a cold sweat despite the heat of the day. When they had passed by he realised that he had been holding his breath and let it out slowly and carefully as if any noise would bring them back.
When he thought it was safe he leaned over to Alonso and whispered, ‘They must have captured Codal and Latep when they ran away from us. Who knows what’s happened to them now.’
***
As darkness fell, animal sounds fill the night air. Something large flew overhead, roaring like a tiger. Creatures with glowing orange eyes followed them as the heat of the day was replaced by the freezing cold of the night. Taron motioned for them to leave the track and head off across open ground to the plain of stones.
The cold gripped Louise Ruth as darkness surrounded them and walking became harder. She felt her hair begin to freeze and the sweat from walking go cold on her body. She felt the onset of cramp as her limbs protested. Even in the dark she could see her breath below from her mouth as if she were a ninety a day smoker.
‘Just over this hill… I’m sure,’ Taron said as they cut through a small hedge row.
Jack brought up the rear and, taking Louise Ruth’s hand, helped her over the hedgerow. The difference in temperature was perceptible and almost uncomfortable, Louise Ruth thought as she headed down towards the giant boulders. She opened the front of her coat and removed the scarf she’d been wearing since last light, the heat was that great.
‘Now this is what I’m talking about.’ Unbuttoning her coat she was about to remove it when she caught sight of a pair of eyes watching her from the darkness beyond. Moving closer to Jack she gripped his hand tightly as they headed into an open area surrounded by heat wielding stones. ‘I see what Jo meant when she said the heat attracts every kind of animal around.’
Steven, the UNIT soldier, dropped a pile of sticks in the centre of the clearing, directed to do so by Taron who began lighting the pile. Heading back into the shadows for a second pile Steven disappeared from view momentarily. Jack was just about to shout after him when an explosion threw Steven back into the camp. Jack didn’t have to examine him to realise that he was dead. His eyes had been burnt out and his face was black and charred.
Jack turned to look where the blast had come from when three silver shapes detached from the darkness and entered the camp. Jack pulled Louise Ruth backward almost throwing her into the surrounding bushes. Taking a single step forward, standing over Steven’s body he noticed that Taron had also dove for cover. Drawing his Webley he took aim at the nearest shape.
‘Over here you sons of bitches!’ he screamed drawing their attention away from Louise Ruth and towards himself. He just managed to pull the trigger twice before their energy weapons were discharged in his direction. He was happy to see an eye stork explode before he was cut down in a flash of pain and light.
‘Warning… my… vision… is… impaired… my… vision… is… impaired.’ The disabled Dalek chanted as Jack fell.
Louise Ruth watched from her hiding place, tears running freely down her cheeks. She knew that Jack would come back but to see him die saving her life was a different thing altogether. Her hand scrabbled in the darkness and wrapped itself around a section of wood about as long as her leg, but thick and heavy. With her stun gun unable to latch onto their metal casing, she decided she would use the club if they came anywhere near her.
Seeing Jack fall, Taron knew that it wouldn’t be long before they found the TARDIS and Rebec. He’d lived all his life in the shadow of the Daleks, his fear dictating everything he did. He’d see friends, family butchered before his eyes when he was a child. He’d lived by their will, forcing him into a work camp before coming of age and waiting to be slaughtered like the rest of his race. He had escaped and managed to return to Skaro only to continue the fight, but no more. He’d been pushed as far as he would go and no further. Picking up a small rock he screamed at the top of his voice, ‘Death to the Daleks!’
The rock slammed into the second Dalek dislodging its upper dome and throwing it onto one side. The green biological part of the Dalek rolled free of the outer casing to be crushed by the blind Dalek in its panic. Taron threw himself at the third Dalek just as its energy weapon discharged. His blackened corpse slammed into it knocking it to the ground.
Jack groaned and sat up with a start. He hated dying; he never felt good afterward. Rolling over he squinted and blinked couldn’t believe what he saw. Louise Ruth, he was sure it was her, wooden club in hand, was giving the blind Dalek the punishment he’d only dreamed of dishing out. The energy weapon had long since been destroyed, the remainder still hung limply from the socket it had once been attached to. Over a dozen dents decorated its dome and both voice indication lights, he noticed, had also been destroyed.
‘Help… help… I… am… under… attack. Help.’ Oblivious to its pleas for mercy Louise Ruth slammed the makeshift club into the battered Dalek sending a clawed hand spinning off into the darkness.
‘Sgt. Donny Donowitz, eat your heart out.’ Louise Ruth said as Jack approached her. ‘Fenway Park here I come.’ He noticed that she stood with one foot on the third Dalek who was still intact, but on its back, firing its energy weapon harmlessly into the blackness beyond. She turned at his approach and smiled as he removed his Webley. Kicking the dome from the prone Dalek he aimed his pistol at the biological part hidden from view inside the casing.
‘Well if you’re the ‘Bear Jew,’ I get to be Hugo Stiglitz.’ With that he fired two rounds into the green, writhing mass at his feet. It had time to squeal only once before it died. Turning on the battered and beaten Dalek Louise Ruth slammed the wood just below its dome sending it spinning off into the night.
‘Hugo Stiglitz,’ Louise Ruth said as Jack fired his remaining two rounds inside the Dalek’s casing. ‘We just wanted to say we’re a big fan of your work.’ Jack smiled recognising the quote. ‘But… I had you more as an Aldo Raine…’
Jack’s smile widened then turning to Louise Ruth added, ‘I was at Fenway Park once… when it first opened,’ he said changing the subject. ‘Oh… 1912…April I think… just before the First World War. Them were the days,’ Jack continued as they walked away from the Daleks and gazed down at the recently demised Thal. ‘Cy Young, Babe Ruth, Jimmy Collins, Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker… I’ve seen them all.’ Placing the length of wood on one shoulder Louise Ruth gazed down at Taron and then at Steven and shook her head in dismay. ‘The Red Sox beat the New York Highlanders seven, six in the eleventh inning that day.’
‘New York Highlanders… never heard of them.’
‘The very next year they changed their name and became know as the Yankees.’ Louise Ruth smiled as Jack added. ‘Probably to hide the shame.’
‘There’s nothing like the Red Sox to get me all fired up.’ Her voice trailed off to a whisper as she knelt next to Steven’s body. Jack turned towards her.
‘Don’t touch him. It’ll look like they had a fight and both sides killed each other. May stop them looking for us for a while.’ Louise Ruth nodded and stood. ‘We better get out of here,’ Jack added as he tried to gaze out into the surrounding darkness. ‘They have a warning device built into their casings. Another patrol will be here soon.’ Staying in the Plain of Stones and taking advantage of the warmth they moved away from the clearing and found a place where they could hide as well as keep watch on the Daleks.
‘So the Red Sox beat the Yankees… first game at Fenway?’ Jack nodded. ‘Now that would be a time I’d like to go back to. Would have made the front page if the Titanic hadn’t sunk days before.’
‘The Titanic…’
Jack nodded. ‘Took them a day to find me. I woke onboard the liner Carpathia. I think they were as surprised as I was. Told them it was something to do with the cold water.’
‘Wait… you were on-board the Titanic?’
Jack again nodded. ‘I’m telling you… me and Molly Brown… we were like that.’ He crossed two fingers and showed them to Louise Ruth. ‘On more than one occasion… unsinkable she went down…’ he was going to continue until Louise Ruth curled her face into a grimace and held up a hand to stop him.
‘A little too much detail there,’ she said waving her hand in Jack’s direction.
‘The Titanic sank on the fourteenth and the match was scheduled for the eighteenth. When I finally made it to Boston on the twentieth they told me the match and been postponed because of the rain. I just made it to the game in time.’
‘Tell me about the game… what happened… do you remember?’
Jack smiled, ‘I remember is as if it was yesterday. Buck O’Brian had taken three runs at the top of the first. By the third innings the Red Sox were five, one down and believe me, after what I’d been through, I was ready for home. Then they replaced O’Brian with… Charley Hall in the fourth and the Red Sox never looked back. After nine innings we’d taken it to six each then Steve Yerkes finished it at Seven Six… What a day. I ended up in bed with…’ Louise Ruth held up a hand a second time to stop him as five more Daleks entered the clearing.
‘I know this sounds strange but… I thought the Daleks were supposed to be some kind of great evil. I mean… don’t get me wrong they were killers but… how do we know that they weren’t just defending themselves when they attacked Steven? The Thal did attack them first… that’s why he died… and… another thing. I took them out with a stick of wood. Surely any modern army would have a field day battling it against a set of remote control dust bins. Talk about being out gunned. It would be like fighting a group of pensioners in wheel chars… I mean… am I wrong or am I missing something here?’ Looking at the Daleks below one last time Jack sat back and contemplated the situation.
‘These are Daleks but…’ he thought then added, ‘this bunch isn’t designed for war. Probably admin workers pressed into the role due to lack of numbers. I’ve come up against the real thing on more than one occasion and believe me… heavy weaponry wouldn’t put a dint in their Dalekanium.’
‘What’s Dalekanium when it’s at home? I’ve never heard of it.’ Louise Ruth asked as she too glanced over at the small group that congregated around the dead below. Their metallic voices reverberated throughout the clearing below.
‘It’s a bonded polycarbide that’s reinforced. This group doesn’t seem to have been given the advantage of the reinforcement.’ Louise Ruth nodded as she glanced down at the stick of wood she still carried and felt better for it.
***
Agent Johnson saw the two Daleks approach Evans and Barrett and immediately grabbed the shot gun Louise Ruth had used on the werewolf. Checking the load she realised with dismay that it only contained a single round. If she missed with the first shot they would both hit her from different angles and there would be nothing she could do about it. To her surprise she noticed Sergeant Barrette’s 5.56mm Colt M4A3 with 40mm Colt M203 Grenade Launcher attached lying on one of the glass tables near the entrance.
‘Now this’ll do nicely.’ She said as she placed the shotgun down and picked up the M203. It too had a single 40mm round in the breach but that would be enough, she knew. Opening the door to the TARDIS she wasn’t surprised to see both Evans and Barrett knelt down in the grass with their hands placed on their heads in surrender. Both Daleks had they backs to her having not registered the fact that the TARDIS was anything other than a rock outcropping.
Aiming the M203 between both Daleks she nodded at the two UNIT men. In unison they dove for cover as far from the Daleks as they could. Both just had time to swivel their eye storks in the direction they had dove when Johnson fired the M203. The first Dalek almost disintegrated under the impact of the round as it exploded against its outer shell. The second Dalek was thrown onto its side, both its primary weapon and extendable claw were blown free of its casing, along with shards of Dalekanium from the first Dalek that acted like shrapnel and peppered its hull, penetrating the Dalek within.
Leaping from cover Evans and Barrett were on the remains of the second Dalek before it realised what was happening. Its dome, now badly damaged was opened and removing his SIG SAUR P226 Barrett fired three rounds into the casing. Still in shock from the initial attack Evans looked up at Johnson and gave her a feeble wave of thanks.
‘They… they were just about to kill us… for no reason other than they thought… we were Thals. I can see why the Thals are the way they are… having to fight that kind of evil on a daily basis.’ Looking down at the M203 fondly Johnson threw it at Barrett.
‘Let’s find the others… in case there’s any more of these things running around.’ Both UNIT operatives nodded and headed back towards the TARDIS mentally prepared for anything. What they didn’t expect was the sun to go down and retreating into the warmth of the TARDIS decided that they should wait for first light before setting out.
‘Running around in the dark… we could stumble into anything… besides… Rebec’s made food.’ Evans smiled as the word food was mentioned. He was starving, especially after the incident with the Daleks.
***
Ianto and Alonso continued through the bush still not comfortable in each others presence as the heat blistered down upon them.
‘You’re sweating Ianto… do you want to borrow a handkerchief?’ Alonso was bearing up well in the heat, much to Ianto’s disappointment. He could feel the sweat trickling down his neck and soaking his shirt. He’d long since removed his jacket and tie and would have thrown them if they hadn’t been a present from Jack.
‘No… it’s ok… I’m fine,’ he said as the sweat began to sting his eyes. ‘It’s just like Barry during the summer.’ Barry was like a fridge in summer compared to this, he thought. What annoyed Ianto more than Alonso offering help was the undeniable fact that he wasn’t sweating, not in the least.
‘Who’s this Barry then… and how hot is he in the summer?’ Ianto gritted his teeth and deliberately let a branch spring back at Alonso who was now following closely.
‘That’s Barry Island… in Wales… the UK… Earth. My father used to take us there on holiday when we were kids.’ Alonso just managed to duck the branch in time.
‘If they call people from Wales Welsh… are people from Barry all called Barry?’ Ianto stopped abruptly and bent forward as if to tie his shoe lace. Alonso, unable to stop in time slammed into the back of him. Standing up Ianto looked incensed.
‘You just can’t help yourself can you? It’s all bottoms with you isn’t it?’ Ignoring him Alonso strode passed him, glad to be in front. ‘So… Alonso… my old trout and toolbox… what do they call people from Sto…stowaways?’ Ianto kept a few paces back waiting for the snapping branch.
‘They’re called… people from Sto…’ Alonso let that hang in the air, fighting against Ianto’s silence. The silence continued until they came to a small camp filled with purple fur wearing figures preparing to bed down for the night, Ianto thought, if he understood their actions correctly. Spiridons were easier to talk to, Ianto realised, when they were covered in fur, a lot easier than talking to Alonso clothed. Not only did he have a point of reference where he could look at when speaking to Webber, but the realisation that they were naked didn’t apply, because of the fur.
‘How far are we from the main compound Webber?’ A noise to his right made him turn as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
‘I am Webber… that is my brother Banter.’ Ianto heard a small giggle coming from the fur in front of him. It seemed that Banter was laughing at him. ‘Just ignore my brother… he likes to play tricks.’ Ianto nodded and was about to ask his question a second time when Webber answered it. ‘We are only half a sun from the compound but things will be difficult when we get there.’ Ianto looked at the purple fur as he thought. He hadn’t asked why the Spiridons were travelling to the compound in the first place. If they wanted to contact the Daleks why were they hiding from their patrols?
‘What is going to happen when we get to the compound Webber.’
She was silent for a while then eventually she answered in a voice filled with emotion. ‘My father was a great leader… his name was Wester. He organised and ran the resistance to fight against the Daleks. He eventually died… giving his life for his beloved planet.’ Ianto nodded, aware that she had not yet answered his question. ‘He was a great man… and… we strive to be worthy of that greatness.’
She paused as if gathering her resolve. ‘There are a number of Daleks at the compound that want a return to the way it was under their rule. They have opened up most of the floors and are trying to revive the ten thousand of their number that are kept down their in suspended animation… frozen in ice.’
Ianto gasped at the thought of the destruction and death ten thousand Daleks could rain on, not just this planet and solar system but every galaxy out there. They could start again and the Doctor’s sacrifice would have been for nothing. ‘Don’t try to stop us Ianto Jones… we have made up our minds. The Daleks must die… whatever the cost.’
Ianto shook his head, and then realising what he was doing began to nod. ‘I wasn’t going to stop you Webber… we was going to join you… help you destroy this evil before it spreads.’ Despite her invisibility Ianto knew that she was smiling. Before he could say anything he felt her lips touch his in a soft embrace. As quickly as it started the kiss ended in a giggle.
‘Don’t worry Ianto Jones I will not tell the Jack Harkness… if I ever meet him.’
As the light dimmed and the sun dropped down passed the horizon a fur blanket was passed to both Ianto and Alonso. To his surprise, Webber laid Ianto’s on the ground and pulled hers over her invisible body. Not sure what to do next he felt invisible hands forcing him under next to her. He was about to protest when Banter moved in behind him. Alonso was also forced to join them and another invisible figure lay behind him. Looking round Ianto noticed that they lay in a circle, each shearing the other’s warmth.
‘If I get excited during the night just ignore me… it will wear off quickly,’ Banter said then began to giggle again.
‘Ignore my brother,’ Webber added and taking hold of Ianto’s arm pulled it around her body for maximum warmth. Ianto was about to protest when Webber continued speaking. ‘I will not tell the Jack Harkness we slept together either… Ianto Jones.’ Ianto breathed a sigh of relief then fell asleep.
***
Carrying the Colt M4A3 in the crook of his arm Sergeant Barrett took lead as they cut through the jungle keeping to the exposed pathway as much as they could. Agent Johnston followed four paces behind, the shotgun covering both sides of the track as she moved. Bringing up the rear Evans was empty handed. The SIG SAUR P226 was in its holster at his hip ready for a quick draw if necessary.
Using the TARDIS’s mapping computer they had located the main compound only two miles from their position. With the warmth of the day coming in a rush sweat covered the back of their shirts as they walked. Each soldier wore a UNIT baseball cap to shield them from the sun’s blinding rays. Most of their focus was on the terrain before them but Evans, who stopped every hundred feet, checked their rear.
They were in enemy territory and they were on full alert, ready for almost anything. They were professionals trained in the most hazardous jungles Earth had to offer. No words were spoken as they moved quietly through the bush. If they had to communicate Barrett would give a hand signal which Johnson passed back to Evans.
Dropping into a crouch Barrett held up a hand and made a fist. Johnson quickly followed suit joined by Evans moments later. Nothing moved around them as if they knew the destruction they could bring to bare on anything that impeded their progress. After two minutes of silence Barrett pointed to his left and turning to face Johnson pointed at his own eyes with two fingers then pointed back into the bush.
Turning Johnson stared into the jungle but couldn’t see anything at first until it moved. A single branch seemed to wobble on its own moving against any breeze that passed through the thick forest. Someone, she knew, had moved that branch and that someone had been watching them.
A strangled cry came from behind her and turning, she noticed Evans standing as if pinned to an invisible tree. Turning back to Barrett she realised he was in a similar position. The Colt had been taken from him and his arms were pinned to his sides. Levelling the shotgun at Barrett she tried to see what was holding him but couldn’t make anything out. As she looked back at Evans, panic now showing in her eyes her firearm was wrenched from her grasp and dropped to the leafy ground.
Chapter Five - The Compound of the Daleks