 hen did this start to happen?’ the Doctor asked one of the scientists, as they stood before the huge mound, watching white mist cascade from one of the many fissures that had raced across its surface.
‘About five minutes ago - I went to Lowk Gabriel as soon as it started.’ the scientist replied.
‘Mmm, good, good..’ mumbled the Doctor as he tugged at his lapels and walked the complete perimeter of the mound.
‘Any ideas?’ asked Mel, following him like a little lost ( multicoloured clothed ) sheep.
‘I’ve always got ideas, Mel. You should know that. Tell me,’ he said turning back to the scientists, ‘when did this mound appear, approximately?’
‘Just about the same time as your box fell from the sky. Is it important?’
‘Mmm, probably very important...tell me, do you have any form of space tracking devices, or radar?’ the Doctor asked.
‘Yes,’ said the scientist, ‘why do you want to know?’
‘We’re going to make sure there are no spaceships in the vicinity of your planet - and then we’re going to turn on those lance laser projectors of yours, again.’
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 ittle circles of light blipped around the screen before the words *Local star-zone clear of craft* appeared.
‘Excellent, excellent.’ said the Doctor, clapping his hands, before standing up and turning to Gabriel.
‘Right, the local star vicinity is clear, I want those projectors turned on again.’
‘Why?’ came a caustic smeared reply from the man who felt he was being told to do too much for a supposed leader.
‘Because I have a theory that can only be proved by the operation of those projectors, so please activate them.’
Gabriel gave the command, and the low whine that accompanied the terrific build up of power started.
The Doctor activated the intercom. ‘Are you positioned by the mound, Kalikol?’ he asked the scientist.
The intercom cracked slightly into life and the reply of, ‘Yes, Doctor.’ cut through the harsh buzzing.
‘Right keep your eyes on it, and record any activity, okay?’
‘Yes, Doctor.’
‘Right, have we got maximum power yet?’
Gabriel checked with a technician. ‘Yes, Doctor.’
‘Okay, fire them up, when I give the command.’ the Doctor said, clutching a note pad and pen close to him. ‘Right,’ the Doctor said, ‘Now!’
A fierce white light hit the room and as they looked out of the observation windows, the four images of the Cadinollium heroes appeared on the moons.
‘Right, full power!’ the Doctor shouted, keeping his eye on the mound, and occasionally scratching notes on the paper. The intercom crackled into life, and the voice of Kalikol came through.
‘Doctor, the cracks are widening and the smoke is getting denser. Myself and my men are going to back off…’
‘No!’ screamed Gabriel, ‘You stay put and record everything, understood?’
Silence.
‘Understood?’
‘But Lowk Gabriel, it’s…’ the voice of Kalikol stopped abruptly, and the Doctor glanced back at the mound. Thick white smoke was gushing over the land, covering the entire mound and surrounding building.
 
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