Chapter Eight

Xznaal scratched the bridge of his noseguard with the tip of his claw. 'Are you acting with the authority of the High Council?'

'Not explicitly,' the Doctor conceded a little uncomfortably,' but if I were to contact them, then I am sure they would authorise my actions.'

Xznaal lifted his claw, twisting it around so that the great pincers were pointing at the Doctor’s head. 'Then we will have to enssure that you don’t have that opportunity.'

There was a hiss from the intercom system.

'Lord Xznaal, a human aerocraft is approaching. Tactical analysis indicates that it is rotor-propelled, and heavily armed. It poses a threat.'

The hologlobe displayed it, a helicopter gunship coming in low over the buildings.

There was a tap on Benny’s shoulder. The Doctor was standing next to her, nodding towards the door. She nodded and edged towards it with him. Xznaal and Greyhaven were studying the image intently.

'It may be time to demonstrate our power,' Greyhaven conceded.

Benny had backed into the glass door. While the Doctor was still fishing for the control, Staines glanced their way. 'They are escaping!' he spluttered.

Xznaal's arm arced up, sweeping through the hologlobe and nearly batting Staines aside to get a clear shot.

'Deep breath,' the Doctor whispered to Benny.

The Martian's gun burst into life, and there was a noise so loud, the air pulsed.

Benny stared at it, saw the flash of the muzzle.

The Doctor's hand was on her neck, tugging her down.

The transparent door crazed as if someone had just driven a juggernaut through it.

Both she and the Doctor were through the doorway before the shards of glass had finished falling. Benny squeezed her eyes shut to protect them.