Part 3 (2/2)

'If we're to maintain operational efficiency, Commander, it's the only way.'

Vorshak hesitated. To release the duplicate programme disc without proper authority could endanger his career but to leave the entire base unarmed and helpless would endanger hundreds of lives.

Doctor Solow said gently, 'I'll take full responsibility, sir. There are humanitarian as well as military considerations involved. Unless Maddox is re-programmed, he'll have a total mental collapse.'

Her intervention tipped the balance. Vorshak crossed to a wall-safe, took an entry-coder from his pocket and punched out a complicated access code. The safe-door slid open. Vorshak removed a gleaming metallic disc and handed it to Nilson.

'Don't let it out of your sight. If it gets into enemy hands '

'I'll return it as soon as the re-programming is finished,'

promised Nilson.

Vorshak nodded and left the PS unit unaware that the precious disc was in enemy hands already.

Nilson studied the disc exultantly. It represented a valuable espionage coup in itself, though for the moment there was no way to get the information it contained off the Base. More important, it would give Doctor Solow and Nilson total command over the mind of Maddox and enable them to proceed to the next stage of their plan.

Carefully Nilson inserted the disc into the psycho-surgical console.

Doctor Solow was already moving aside the little flaps of artificial skin and hair that covered the synch terminals in Maddox's head. She plugged in the two leads that ran from the console and stood back. Nilson touched the control and the programme began to run.

Maddox stirred and moaned, then relaxed. Nilson studied him uneasily. 'You're sure this will work?'

Doctor Solow checked the connections to Maddox's head. 'That programme feeds information straight into the deepest control centres of Maddox's brain. Soon we can cut into that programming, alter it. Whatever commands we give him, Maddox will have no other choice than to obey.'

The Doctor's little group had left the chemical store and was trudging along more endless white metal corridors.

Tegan was fed up with it. 'Have you any any idea where we're going, Doctor?' idea where we're going, Doctor?'

'As a matter of fact, I do, Tegan. We're making for the Bridge. Repairs to the TARDIS will take a little time. If we have to stay here for a while, we'd better get the Captain's permission.' They came to a lift. 'Aha!' said the Doctor.

Turlough studied the control panel. 'Up or down?'

'Well, if I remember correctly, the Base command centre is usually at the top of the structure.'

Before the Doctor could stop him, Turlough reached out and stabbed a control b.u.t.ton on the panel.

Immediately a light began flas.h.i.+ng on the control panel.

The Doctor sighed. 'Really, Turlough! You see what you've done?'

'I only pressed for the lift. What's the matter?'

The Doctor indicated the light. ' This This is. There's obviously some kind of a code, so they can detect unauthorised users. It's what's called security. We'd better find someone in authority, and quickly. Come on.' is. There's obviously some kind of a code, so they can detect unauthorised users. It's what's called security. We'd better find someone in authority, and quickly. Come on.'

A door slid across the corridor ahead of them, blocking their path.

'What do we do now?' asked Tegan.

'They've sealed off the area. We'd better get back to the TARDIS. We'll be safer there.'

Hurriedly the Doctor led them back along the corridor.

They were in a military-style establishment, a closed environment whose inhabitants were almost certainly under considerable pressure. In such an environment, the security guards were more than likely to be trigger-happy.

Vorshak was back on the Bridge, where the atmosphere was still very tense. Recent mysterious events, combined with the practice missile-run, had left everyone edgy.

'Perimeter defence now complete, Commander,'

reported Preston. She stared at her monitor screen and then exclaimed, 'Intruders, Commander! Security has detected intruders on the Base.'

'What? Where are they?'

'Area C, Commander.'

Vorshak's first thought was for the duplicate programme-disc. 'Post guards around the PS unit. Tell Controller Nilson and Doctor Solow what's happened. Any sign of an intruder and they're to destroy the programme disc immediately. Send combat teams into the area to hunt down the intruders.'

Preston moved over to a security intercom, and began issuing urgent commands. 'Battle teams eight and ten proceed to area C immediately. Suspected intruders. Team seven to PS unit...'

Vorshak turned to Bulic. 'What do you think?'

'An unidentified object, the destruction of the probe and now this. Too much for coincidence.'

'I agree. We must act quickly. You and Preston take command of the combat teams. Get them moving.'

'Right, sir. Preston, come with me.' Bulic and Preston hurried from the Bridge.

In the PS unit, Nilson spoke into the intercom. 'Message acknowledged. We'll remain alert.'

Doctor Solow was hovering over the unconscious Maddox. 'What was all that about?'

'Some kind of security alert intruders. We'd better hurry.'

'I've almost finished...' She waited a moment or two longer, and then removed the terminal leads from Maddox's skull, replacing the concealing patches of skin and hair. She touched another control. The upper portion of the operating couch tilted slowly upwards, until Maddox was sitting upright.

'How do you feel, Maddox?' asked Nilson gently.

Maddox opened his eyes and stared vaguely at him.

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