‘Right, I don’t think any of you have yet jumped to the 20th century?’

They shook their heads.

‘Well, it’s before the civil uprisings, so governments were weak and generally ineffective. There’s a great deal of crime, a lot of it opportunistic and up close and personal, so although you look the biggest bunch of shambolic incompetents I’ve ever clapped eyes on, I’m sure anyone from the 20th century would think twice before taking you on, so you should be safe. Air and water quality will be poor, so don’t drink anything that hasn’t been boiled. It’s the age of the automobile and they drive on the left. On the left, people, so watch how you cross the road. Times are hard – although not as hard as they’re going to be – so keep your hands on your holiday money.’

His team eyed each other sideways in bafflement at the reference.

He sighed. ‘Any questions?’

‘Um . . .’ said Jane.

‘Yes, Lockland.’

‘Do they know about us? I mean, the Time Police?’

‘No. Too early. Which is why you won’t be carrying blasters. Only sonics.’

Luke blinked. ‘So how are we supposed to quell these savages?’

‘You are Time Police officers with all the authority that entails.’

‘But . . .’

‘Two minutes ago, you were commenting adversely on Henry Plimpton and his lack of criminal characteristics. Make up your mind, Parrish.’

Luke subsided, scowling.

‘Right, draw your weapons from the Armoury and meet me in the Pod Bay asap.’

The Pod Bay was underground – in case of accidents – and a good part of it was under the Thames itself. ‘To help contain the spread of radiation’ had been the cheerful explanation during their induction tour. It was a very large, sound-deadening space, well lit and spotlessly clean. On the far wall, swing doors led directly to the MedCen. Another door in another wall led to Stores, Logistics and the workshops. At the moment, however, the Pod Bay was comparatively empty.

Pods are the centre of Time Police operations. Unlike St Mary’s, whose function required their pods to be unobtrusive in any time period, the Time Police favoured big, bad, trouser-soiling pods, designed to put the fear of God into anyone unfortunate enough to be present at the time, and most of their pods were just a plain black box, accessed either by a door or a ramp.

Two of the four hospital pods were already out, as were most of the all-purpose pods. As Parrish had said, they were the last to be allocated an assignment.

‘Team Bottom of the Barrel,’ murmured Farrell as they entered their designated pod.

None of them were unfamiliar with the pod layout. There had been plenty of simulation exercises during their training and they had accompanied and observed other teams. This, however, was their first proper assignment and as Ellis was aware, no one can predict how a team will react to their first taste of action.