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useful world and takes root. Like a seed, all it needs is a
power source and raw materials. Vulcan is very rich in raw
materials, isn t it?
And the power they re getting from us, Quinn said
bitterly. But what s it used for?
You heard Lesterson, the Doctor told him. The
Daleks are reproducing. Who knows how many there are of
them by now? His ears suddenly caught a noise from
inside the capsule. A Dalek glided out of the capsule. It was
one of the unarmed ones, which meant that they were still
keeping up their pretence of slavery to the humans. The
Doctor pushed Quinn down behind a stack of boxes and
crouched down beside him.
Valmar followed one of the Daleks out of the capsule,
checking the connections on the latest cable as he did so.
I ll just have to check out the completed circuit now,
he informed the Dalek. Otherwise, it looks like it s exactly
as you asked for it to be.
Very well, the Dalek agreed.
Still troubled by what Polly had said, Valmar stared at
the machine thoughtfully. Why can t you carry on with
the power you re drawing from the colony? Why go to all
this trouble?
Until now, the Dalek answered, we have had to
recharge from the colony supply. With static power in
place, the Daleks will be twice as... useful.
Valmar wondered if he had imagined that slight pause
between the final words. Could he believe the Daleks? Or
was this all some Machiavellian plot of theirs? If only he
had the time to do a few experiments and check on the data
he d been fed. But time was one thing that he seemed to be
constantly short of. Another was his implicit belief that
what he was doing was right. He made a useless rebel,
really. If it hadn t been for Hensell s attitude and the
injustice of the Company, he d never have considered
joining the rebels.
And, to be honest, if it hadn t been for his foolish
attraction to Janley. She d never given him the slightest
encouragement, after all. But he lived in constant hope that
one day she would do.
As if in answer to his thoughts, Janley herself rushed
through the doorway, skidding to a halt.
Valmar! she snapped, her face flushed and her hair in
uncharacteristic disarray. Quick, come on!
What s the matter? he asked, rushing to join her.
The Governor s back, she told him. We re not yet
ready! Come on!
Valmar glanced back at the capsule. What about the
girl?
Leave her, Janley said. The Daleks will take care of
her.
The unarmed Dalek moved to join them. I will follow
you, it informed Janley.
Suspiciously, Valmar glared at it. What for?
I am your servant.
There wasn t time to argue. Janley grabbed Valmar s
arm, hurrying him out into the corridor. The Dalek glided
after them.
A moment after the Dalek left the room, the Doctor
popped out of his hiding place. He stared at the mass of
cables in concern. An electrical circuit of their own, he
said, his voice strained with fear. They re supplying their
own static electricity to the colony. I wonder how much
longer we ve got?
Till what? Quinn asked.
When the circuit is in operation, the Daleks will be able
to move freely about the colony, the Doctor told him.
And that will be the death warrant for every human being
here! Then he turned, ignoring Quinn, and started into
the capsule.
Kebble waited near the door of the capsule, a slight smile
on his face. He d overheard two people he recognized as
Quinn and the Doctor talking outside the capsule as they
approached. He picked up a heavy wrench and tapped his
palm with it.
It would make a lovely dent in someone s skull...
Polly threw herself across the small compartment. Her
hands were tied, but not her legs. And she hadn t been
gagged again. Doctor! she screamed. Look out! As
Kebble half turned, Polly hit him with all of the force she
could muster.
Kebble slammed her back against the metal wall of the
capsule, winding her. But Polly s warning had alerted his
would-be victims, who were entering the capsule. Quinn
pushed past the Doctor and leaped on to Kebble. Glad of a
target he could finally take some of his frustrations and
anger out on, Quinn pummelled the heavier man with
blows to the head and stomach. Huffing with pain, Kebble
allowed his guard to drop. With a cry of pent-up anger,
Quinn linked both his hands and brought them down in a
single, vicious chop to Kebble s neck. Kebble fell like a
brick.
Polly staggered to her feet and rushed down to the
Doctor. Are you all right? she asked anxiously.
The Doctor nodded and smiled as he undid the ropes
about her wrists. Quick thinking, Polly, he complimented
her. Now, who was that man who left with the Daleks?
Valmar, she told him as she massaged the circulation
back into her fingers. He s been working with the Daleks
On their static power supply, the Doctor said, nodding.
Yes, we heard that bit
Polly grabbed him with both hands. Doctor, they ve got
Ben!
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