by Ian Marter
The Doctor frowned, then he motioned them inside. 'Very well, just this once,' he agreed grudgingly. 'But you'd better both put some warm things on—one never knows what the weather's going to be like.' Sarah and Harry disappeared eagerly inside.
The Doctor turned to Vira. 'We shouldn't be very long,' he said.
'I shall expect you... soon,' replied Vira. 'Meanwhile I must return to the Cryogenic Chamber. The Main Phase is beginning.'
Sarah and Harry reappeared in the doorway of the TARDIS, clad in waterproofs and wellington boots.
'Back soon,' cried the Doctor, waving the jelly-baby bag. He broke off a piece from the melted contents and threw the bag to Vira. 'Good luck,' he called.
Vira caught the bag neatly. 'Good... luck... ?' she repeated the unfamiliar phrase to herself, puzzled.
An extraordinary groaning sound made her look up. A bright yellow light was flashing on top of the strange blue box into which the Doctor and his companions had entered... As she watched, the box faded and gradually disappeared.
Suddenly Vira smiled in recognition. 'Yes... yes,' .she cried. 'Good luck...'
She tentatively broke off a small piece from the sticky lump in the bag and put it into her mouth. She grimaced, then she smiled and nodded in approval at the taste. She looked at the empty space where the TARDIS had stood. 'Good luck, Doctor... and thank you,' she murmured.
She turned and left. In the Cryogenic Chamber, her people were awakening in their hundreds. At last her task had begun...