"We should attack now while we maintain a tactical advantage." Strax insisted.
The Sontaran and Madame Vastra had been drawn downstairs after noticing a Slitheen minus his claws fleeing from the lower floor of the tavern and had rightly surmised that if there was trouble then the Doctor would undoubtedly be at it's epicentre. They stood on the fringe of the crowd of curious bystanders who were treating the altercation and it's aftermath as an amusing spectacle.
"This is a Sontaran eviscerator T7." Strax insisted, patting the barrel of the pulse rifle he carried. "A grossly inaccurate weapon, but it produces an almost inescapable cone of death when in fully automatic mode. I estimate that from this angle a ninety seven percent probability that all of the enemy would be dead or incapacitated with the first burst. Most of the casualties would be caused by the dismembered limbs of the nearest targets."
"Yes, unfortunately the Doctor, Jenny and Clara being between us and those people would actually be the nearest targets." The Silurian pointed out.
"Regrettably so." Strax admitted. "But three fatalities for our side and twelve or more to the enemy and possibly twenty to thirty neutral bystanders would constitute an outstanding victory in the Sontaran military."
"You do remember that you are no longer in the service of the Sontaran empire Strax?" Vastra asked. "In general terms most other species would not consider slaughtering everybody in sight and then counting the bodies to see who won as acceptable practice. We shall wait to see what happens next and plan a less fatal rescue attempt."
"As you wish Madame." Strax said sulkily. "But this does seem an extremely time consuming method of waging war."
The Doctor slipped the wallet containing her psychic notepaper back into the pocket of her coat. The shark headed leader of the group facing her and her companions tutted loudly, but was evidently not one to lose his cold and calm manner easily.
"I am very offended and distressed that you would attempt to cheat me in such a disrespectful manner." The shark said, though his voice betrayed no offense or distress or indeed any emotion at all. "I am forced to assume that you have no negotiable currency in your possession and alternative steps will need to be taken to reimburse my losses."
"In view of the circumstances we would be prepared for negotiation." The Doctor conceded. "Perhaps a payment plan of some kind? I am sure I could raise the necessary funds if I could nip back to my ship, wouldn't be gone for more than a couple of minutes."
"Sadly my trusting nature has been badly shaken by the crass attempt at swindling." The shark replied, shaking his big head. "I think we should reconvene this negotiation in my office and allow my employees to clean up the mess you caused."
Clara and Jenny looked to one another uncertainly and then slowly lowered their weapons. As effective as they were, they were no match for the rifles and pistols pointed at them. With several of the shark's armed guards as escorts the three friends allowed themselves to be led away and through a door marked as staff only.
Vastra and Strax watched their friends led away and into the back rooms of the club. As they disappeared from sight Vastra felt an insistent tugging on the sleeve of her battle armour. She looked down to see a short figure dressed in a dirty brown hooded robe. A long grey beard emerging from the hood and hanging to the figure's waist was all that could be seen of whoever was under the hood.
"Pssst. It's me missus lizard." The mysterious figure whispered.
"Me who?" Vastra asked. "I am certain we are not acquainted. Perhaps you have me confused with another Silurian."
The small figure opened his hood and briefly pulled his beard away from his chin to reveal that the hairy mass was in fact a disguise held in place by elasticated string.
"Toby Avery?" Vastra exclaimed, recognising the pirate captain's son. "Why ever are you dressed like that?"
"Shhh, not so loud missus." Toby urged. "I'm in disguise. My dad and the rest of the crew of the Fancy are persona non gratia in the wet clam."
Toby Avery glanced about anxiously to see if anyone was watching. Luckily attention was only just beginning to drift away from the earlier excitement and no-one appeared to have noticed anything amiss.
"I saw Mister Ripper and his goons took your sweetheart and those other two ladies." Toby said. "My dad will be sure to help you, there's already bad blood between our crew and Mister Ripper. The Fancy's docked not too far from here."
"Excellent strategic thinking boy." Strax said warmly. "With reinforcements and superior numbers we can assault this stronghold with overwhelming force and completely annihilate all opposition. With such a quick mind you are sure to go far in this life. Perhaps one day we may match wits on the field of battle and I will have the honour of crushing your lifeless body underfoot."
"Does he always talk like that missus?" Toby asked Vastra, eyeing the Sontaran dubiously.
"I'm afraid so." Madame Vastra answered. "But that was a very high compliment for a Sontaran."
"Umm, thank you mister. " Toby said, adding ever so politely. "I look forward to crushing you too."
"That's the spirit boy." Strax roared heartily. "Now lead on to your ship and we will convene a council of war."
Madame Vastra took a last concerned look towards the door through which her beloved Jenny had been led and then turned and followed Toby and Strax. The Doctor, Jenny and Clara were all resourceful and the Silurian could only hope that they would be able to deal with whatever awaited them and survive until she returned with help to effect a rescue.