GAMBIT OF THE DALEKS II
a geocache by
T O R C H W O O D F O U R
"WE ARE DEFEATED. AGAIN."
Supreme Dalek Theta sounded as frustrated as a Dalek was capable of sounding. "EXPLAIN," he demanded, at length.
"THE DOCTOR HAS UNDERMINED OUR PLANS," came the response from Saucer Commander Iota. "IT WAS UNFORSEEN."
Theta paused for 0.0587 seconds, an eternity in Dalek time.
"UNACCEPTABLE," he responded, his baritone reverberating throughout the Dalekanium chamber of Skaro's capital. "HE IS A TAX ON OUR RESOURCES AND MUST BE EXTERMINATED."
A silence fell across the assembled reverent of the Dalek Assembly. None dared to speak against the Supreme Dalek.
"IF WE CANNOT DEFEAT THE DOCTOR, PERHAPS WE CAN DEFEAT THE EARTHLINGS WHO PROTECT HIM," Theta mused.
"EXPLAIN! EXPLAIN! EXPLAIN!" came the reply.
"THE VOGON BUREAUCRACY HAS PROPOSED THE EXTENSION OF A HYPERSPACE EXPRESS ROUTE WHICH WILL PASS THROUGH SOL. INTERGALACTIC LAW REQUIRES THE AGREEMENT OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE PLANET OR PLANETS TO BE DEMOLISHED. THE EARTHLINGS ARE NOT YET ADVANCED ENOUGH TO RESPOND TO THIS PETITION. PERHAPS WE MAY RESPOND ON THEIR BEHALF!"
Once again, silence reigned supreme. After a protracted period, only the Special Weapons Dalek, known coloquially as 'The Abonination,' voiced an opinion.
"AND. HOW. SHALL. WE. RESPOND?" it stammered.
"WE SHALL RESPOND AFFIRMATIVELY," replied Theta, "AND IN COMPLETE COOPERATION WITH INTERGALACTIC LAWS."
"WHAT IS TO STOP THE DOCTOR FROM INTERFERING? EXPLAIN!" once again came the reply.
"THE EARTHLINGS WILL BE ENTITLED TO MAKE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR PROTESTS TO THE EXPRESS ROUTE AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. THE PERMITS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL PLANNING OFFICE FOR THE NEXT NINE MONTHS, ON DISPLAY IN THE CELLAR, INSIDE A DALEKANIUM CONTAINER IN THE BOTTOM OF A LOCKED FILING CABINET, IN A DISUSED LAVORATORY WITH A SIGN ON THE DOOR SAYING "BEWARE OF THE LEOPARD." INSIDE THE CONTAINER WILL BE A PETITION ALLOWING ANY EARTHLINGS IN OBJECTION TO THE PROJECT TO NOTE THEIR DISAPPROVAL. SHOULD THE PETITION GATHER ENOUGH SIGNATURES, THE VOGONS WILL TERMINATE THE PROJECT."
If Daleks were capable of applause, this would have been the moment. Instead, the entire Dalek Assembly flashed their lights in a show of approval.
As the 'applause' died down, the Saucer Commander again spoke.
"AND WHAT IF THE FIRST EARTHLING TO READ THE PROPOSAL OBJECTS? HOW WILL THEY BE STOPPED?"
Supreme Dalek Theta pivoted his substantial girth to face the Saucer Commander.
"THEN WE WILL INCENTIVIZE! INCENTIVIZE! INCENTIVIZE!"