1 Welcome to this bumper issue of Cosmic Masque.

Inside these pages you will find re- views on the Blu-Ray Season col- lection range and an interview with Chris Chapman who works on the specials features on these wonder- ful sets.

You will also find reviews on a num- ber of other items, some features on the 8th Doctor and the filming of series 12, plus a write up of the Au- dience with Warris Hussein event.

Steve Hatcher (our fiction editor) has been working to continue to bring us the best possible fan fiction and once again delivers some great adventures for us all to get stuck into.

My heartfelt thanks to all of our con- tributors, and the team that work on our publications.

Until next time faithful readers.

Enjoy the issue.

Rik

2 story for the charity anthology that I edited, Time Shad- ows: Second Nature (still available from me for free as an e-book if you ask nicely), so he was one of summer, I was honoured when first people I asked to write for CM. Paul Winter and Rik Moran asked I couldn’t be more happy with his me to become Fiction Editor of Cos- contribution to this issue, a nice lit- mic Masque, a role that began with tle mystery story, The Chaotic issue VII. Now, as I present my Element. Michael’s fabulous début third selection of the very best sto- novel, Geek Myths – a story of life, ries that our readers have submit- love and the pursuit of sonic screw- ted, I have been asked to write a drivers is available from Amazon. I few words to introduce the stories recommend it wholeheartedly. featured in Cosmic Masque IX. I happen to think they are three Don’t forget, Cosmic Masque is a crackers – I hope you will agree. magazine by and for its readers. I don’t know any Doctor Who fans In the 20th Anniversary Year of who haven’t got a story in them – a Doctor Who at Big Finish, it’s very story that is desperate to be told - appropriate that in Gary Merchant’s and we want to help you to tell it. rather splendid comic caper What’s Send your stories in to the email Up Doc(tor)? we have the Sixth address at the front of this issue Doctor accompanied by perhaps and they will be considered for in- the most popular of all the original clusion. It doesn’t matter if you Big Finish companions, Evelyn haven’t been published before or Smythe, checking in to a luxury ho- even if you haven’t written anything tel, only to find an old friend – that before. We can help you get your time-travelling adventuress, Iris ideas straight and on paper. Wildthyme, Just think of how you will feel, when you see your story, under your Cameron Holt and Nathan Mullins’ name, here in Cosmic Masque. So, four-part story featuring the current get writing. I look forward to hearing TARDIS team, Requiem Among the from you. Stars, which made its début in Cos- mic Masque VIII is developing nice- Steve ly. In this issue we have episode two. Cameron and Nathan are ex- citing and ambitious young writers, who are fast making names for themselves.

Michael M. Gilroy-Sinclair is a new name to Cosmic Masque, but he may well be familiar to you through his long-running Tin Dog Podcast. Michael wrote a lovely

3 4 She started walking. The last time she had set foot inside an Osiran tomb was over a thousand years ago, so her memories of the stand- ard layout were blurred. She hoped they wouldn’t have to keep moving for long. This tomb did seem differ- For part 1 please download Cos- ent, though – in fact, everything on mic Masque VIII - click here for the planet was slightly out of place. more details. Certainly, it should have been much hotter on the surface than it current- All four of the TARDIS crew jumped ly was, and the presence of a flower as high as they could and landed amongst so much desolation was with a bang. But the bang was not unexpected. from them; it was a mechanical Not to mention the already lit torch- sound that resonated from below, es. as the circular tile started to rumble and lowered itself slowly like an ele- Osirans were a mystery she had vator. long been studying, but All Graham could think about was couldn’t piece it all together. Yet. how sluggish their exit would be. “Watch out for reanimated bodies,” “So, Doctor,” he said, as sand from she said, half-joking. above trickled into his hair. “How “Don’t,” whispered Ryan. “Just exactly did that work?” don’t.” “Well, it’s old,” said the Doctor, mat- They reached the junction at the ter-of-factly. “There should have end of the corridor. There was a been an identification scanner that path leading left and another lead- restricts anyone but family mem- ing right, but no indication as to bers from entering, but it must have which one would guide them to the broken down over time. So, I hoped burial chamber. The glyphs on the a good jump would jog the machine wall that usually served as direc- into action. And it did.” tions for grieving families were non- “Luck, then.” existent. Of course, the Doctor “Yep.” couldn’t tell her companions that. “Of course.” “This way,” she said with forced confidence, heading left. “Shouldn’t be long now.” The ancient elevator screeched to a “Until what?” asked Yasmin. “What very slow halt and, up above, an- are we aiming for?” other circular tile slid in from the “The burial chamber,” said the Doc- wall to seal the travellers inside. In tor. “I thought that was obvious.” front, the Doctor could see a torch- She could hear Yasmin’s tut in per- lit corridor stretching out towards a fect clarity, echoing through the half junction further ahead. A musky, -lit labyrinth. They turned another damp scent forced its way into her corner and eventually found them- nostrils. Interesting. selves in a bigger room with a

5 domed ceiling. Placed along the been watching them from the begin- circular wall were elaborately deco- ning, studying them. Planning for rated sarcophagi, bearing faces that this moment. looked like jackals. This was not the “I can help you,” said the Doctor, right way. rubbing dust off her coat. “You’re in pain. Believe me, I know. Just tell As she quickly backed up, Yasmin me what’s going on and I can set blocked her exit. you free.” “Doctor, what are these things?”Her Yasmin’s hands tightened into expression was fearful. Ryan and fists.“Liar!” Graham quickly turned heel, des- She screamed again and every sar- perate to leave. cophagus in the room snapped “Not something you want to stick open. She fell to her knees, groan- around for,” said the Doctor, at- ing. The Doctor reached into her tempting to push past. “Come on. coat pocket and rummaged through Time’s running out.” countless useless items until her Yasmin blocked her again. “I know,” fingers touched the familiar metallic she said, focusing her gaze on device she relied on so often. She each sarcophagus. “But what are pulled it forth, aiming at the small they? Do you know?” army of wrapped, jackal-headed The Doctor felt a tinge of annoy- mummies that had started shuffling ance. There was something about towards them. the tone of her voice that was unu- sual. “Yes, but that’s not important Graham let out a terrified wail and right now, Yaz. We need to move.” leaned against the Doctor’s back. Yasmin pushed against the Doc- Yasmin pushed herself up and ran tor’s chest, stronger than expected. out of the room, wincing and hold- “You are stubborn, aren’t you?” she ing her head. Ryan stepped for- said, staring at the Doctor curiously. wards, letting his emotions take “Aliens always are. But you… control, but the Doctor shoved him you’re especially bad.” back with her free arm. “Wait!” she The Doctor’s hearts sank. She shouted, fiddling with the sonic grabbed hold of Ryan and Gra- screwdriver and holding it above ham’s arms, but it was too late. her head. “Hold onto your ear- Yasmin opened her mouth and drums!” screamed, creating a shockwave A high-pitched, pulsing noise burst that sent the three of them flying to from the screwdriver as the tomb’s the centre of the room. They landed foundations shook in reverberation. violently, Ryan scraping his arm The mummies halted where they and Graham knocking his head. were and collapsed, convulsing on The Doctor landed on her feet and the floor until, finally, they were mo- helped her companions up, watch- tionless. The noise faded. The Doc- ing Yasmin’s movements careful- tor lowered her trusty device and ly.The tingling sensation she had dropped it into her pocket, secretly mentioned earlier. Of course. Who- pleased with herself. ever was in that burial chamber had Ryan and Graham cautiously 6 moved from their spot. Graham situations like this, the Doctor al- kicked one of the mummies where ways remembered the people she’d its ribs would have been, creating a lost – either because of her own metallic clang. “Robots?” said lack of foresight, or things beyond Ryan, sweat dripping down his her control. She felt Bill’s cries of cheek. anguish as cybernetics ripped “Defensive weaponry,” the Doctor through her skin. The searing pain replied, fast-walking to where they’d as Clara’s soul was torn from her entered. “There are probably more body. The ice-cold touch as Amy scattered all over. We need to fig- and Rory were dragged from their ure out how to avoid them.” own time forever. She remembered She knelt down and closed her ’s fatal, misplaced heroism eyes. Taking Yasmin was a mistake and how helpless she was to stop this Osiran would live to regret. Katarina and Sara becoming vic- Ryan tried to protest, but the Doctor tims of a ruthless cru- raised a finger to silence him. Yas- sade.Yasmin would not join them. min would likely be heading directly Not today. to the burial chamber. Thankfully, both humans and Time Lords had After an eternity of running, they psychic potential, and the Doctor entered a large chamber. What the had spent enough time with her Doctor saw could have intrigued her three companions that, with a great for days if she hadn’t been so pre- deal of willpower, she could poten- occupied with the task at hand. tially establish a link; especially now At the back was a large, golden sar- that the Osiran had widened Yas- cophagus, surrounded by flowers min’s mind. growing through cracks in the floor, walls and ceiling. Yasmin was The Doctor winced in pain, focusing kneeling by its base in a stance that hard on the presence she had suggested prayer. When she grown to recognise. Her face. Her looked more closely, the Doctor no- smell. Her voice. Everything ap- ticed wires emerging from all sides peared in growing clarity, giving her of the sarcophagus, leading to a something to hold onto. She fought large computer terminal in the cor- past all of the racing thoughts and ner of the room. It looked operation- emotions that threatened to throw al. her off the path, and then, with one Ryan and Graham came to a halt final push, she felt the soft touch of beside the Doctor, clearly as baffled skin as her hand took hold of Yas- as she was. Except, now she was min’s. Her eyes snapped open. starting to connect the dots. “I know where she’s going.” “This is keeping you alive, then?” said the Doctor, stepping very slow- ly towards the terminal. The three members of the TARDIS Yasmin said nothing. The Doctor crew ran through winding corridors edged closer. One wrong move that seemed to lead further and fur- could destroy everything. ther below the surface of the planet, “Yaz, snap out of it!” shouted Ryan. never stopping, never relenting. In “Don’t let that thing make you its 7 puppet!” needed answers. Just two more. “Yeah!” said Graham. “I’ve seen “Who built all this?” she asked. you get out of worse scrapes than Yasmin looked down at the ground. this!” “My… daughter.” Yasmin groaned and held onto her “And what happened?” temples. The Doctor seized her Yasmin’s eyes started to flicker. chance and ran to the computer, “They… took her…” soaking up as much data as she The Doctor couldn’t let her friend go could. A resurrection device. Never through this anymore. She pressed completed, but still running. Why? the shut down command, causing Who would do something like this? her to scream and fall In her peripheral vision, the Doctor over unconscious. Then there was saw Yasmin raise her head in silence. Ryan ran over to Yasmin alarm. “No!” she screamed. “Get and knelt down, furiously trying to away!” wake her. Graham stood beside The Doctor accessed the main them, helpless. commands and found the shut But it wasn’t over. The Doctor down function. Her finger hovered sensed something. From the sar- over the touch screen. “Right!” she cophagus, a pulsing wave had said, putting on her best game face. started to emerge. Like the one that “With one press of this command, I had interfered with the TARDIS. can send you back to the afterlife. This time, it was more localised. Done. Check and mate. But I want And then the lit torches around the answers first. If you don’t comply, I chamber extinguished themselves press the button. If you don’t let one by one, until only the black void Yasmin go, I press the button. Don’t remained. think I haven’t been through this “Doctor,” said Ryan’s pained voice. sort of situation many times before. “Is she going to be alright?” I will send you kicking and scream- The Doctor pulled out her sonic ing if I have to.” screwdriver and switched on the Yasmin seemed like she was think- light so it was bright enough to illu- ing it over. Then she fell onto her minate the room. “She’ll be fine, side, wincing and moaning. Ryan. Don’t worry. We, on the other “Doctor,” she said desperately. hand…” “Don’t let her play for time… she’s At that moment, the lid of the sar- trying to drain…” She stopped ab- cophagus burst open and the half- ruptly and sat up, subduing her in- decayed body of the Osiran sat up ner conflict.“What answers would like an animatronic puppet. Its dark- you like to hear?” she asked coldly. green eyes pierced through the The Doctor knew what Yasmin had beige light of the Doctor’s device. meant. The terminal had told her Graham froze. The Osiran turned that another being’s life force was its head towards the Doctor. It didn’t needed to complete the process. speak. Instead, the bubble of reality Yasmin was being drained as they around it rippled and it warped in- spoke, giving the Osiran a new stantly to the chamber door. lease of life. But the Doctor still It stretched itself out then shambled

8 through to the corridor beyond be- DIS.” fore warping out of sight. The Doc- The Doctor took hold of her arm tor struggled to comprehend what and felt her pulse. Everything she had just witnessed. She walked seemed to be in order. “Can I just over to Graham and put a hand on say that I’m really proud of you, his shoulder. “You okay?” she Yaz,” she said, half-smiling. asked. “Overpowering an Osiran, even for He stared towards the dark corridor. a moment, is a massive achieve- “What was that?” ment. But you’re right. No time for “I’m not quite sure,” said the Doctor. chit chat.”She strode towards the “But if I had to guess, I would say chamber’s exit, then stopped. “Uh… that it’s stuck between life and who remembers the way out?” death – half body, half soul. And it Yasmin smiled and took the lead, clearly wants something. It didn’t guiding them to their destination. absorb all of Yasmin’s life force, but there was enough to try and find what it’s looking for.” The elevator rose to the surface of “Which is?” the central chamber, halting with a “I don’t know.” screech. In the distance, shambling Yasmin lifted her head and took a through the archway through which deep breath. The Doctor and Gra- they had come in was the Osiran. It ham ran over to her. “She wants the turned its head, focusing its green TARDIS,” Yasmin said croakily. eyes on Yasmin. She could feel its “She thinks there’s something in mind touching her own, as if assert- there that will help her find her ing dominance. Then, after a tense daughter. That’s why she brought it few seconds, it simply turned back here.” around and continued its journey. It The Doctor felt very uneasy. The had a greater goal in mind. TARDIS was capable of finding an- Her legs felt like jelly, and her head ything in the universe, but there a whirlwind, but Yasmin kept up was something else clawing at the with the others as they ran outside back of her mind that was even into the desolate sands of Sirius IV. more relevant. An extremely im- Yet, things had changed. The air portant clue that seemed to be was no longer cold but scorching missing. Maybe Graham had been hot, and the sandstorms that had right about the state of her memory, once kept their distance were now or maybe there was something far almost upon them. more sinister at play. Either way, “We won’t make it,” said the Doctor, she couldn’t stand around doing alarmed. “We’ll be ripped to shreds nothing. before we get there.” “Come on, Yaz,” said Ryan, helping “Then so will she!” said Graham. her stand. “Let’s get you out of “No,” said the Doctor. “She’s a lot here.” more powerful than all of us com- Yasmin stood up straight and gently bined, even in that shape. She’ll brushed him off. “I’m alright, Ryan. make it. And the TARDIS will be Just focus on getting to the TAR- fine.”

9 Ryan and Yasmin shared a look of Time seemed to slow down as the concern. TARDIS dematerialised, then re- “There must be something you can materialised around the Doctor and do?” said Ryan. “Can’t it… I don’t her friends, and then dematerialised know… move closer?” once more. They were yet to dis- The Doctor looked at him like he cover something else was aboard. was an idiot. At first, it wasn’t immediately obvi- “If it could do that on its own, don’t ous, but the TARDIS was only just you think it would have been here warming up. by now?” Ryan sighed. “Alright, fine. We’re “Well, wasn’t that lucky,” said the done for.” Doctor, placing her screwdriver in The Doctor pulled out her screw- her pocket. driver. Her eyes widened. “You can thank me later,” remarked “Unless… I send it a signal.” Ryan, who breathed a sigh of relief. The three companions stared at “That was a smart move.” her. Yasmin knew this would hap- “Not ‘alf,” agreed Graham. “We’d pen. It always did. The Doctor held have been battered by that sand- up the sonic device and switched it storm!” on, aiming at the small blue rectan- “What about the Osiran?” queried gle in the distance that was close to Yasmin. being swallowed by the sand. “You tell me,” said the Doctor. “Oh, this had better work,” said the “What do you mean?” her friend Doctor, wincing. “Please, old girl, answered, although not in a sharp don’t let me down! Don’t let two tone of voice. She was just curious. thousand years of friendship go to “Well at one stage, you were con- waste!” nected to the Osiran. You knew So, as the Osiran drew closer and where it was headed. In fact, you closer to its target, and the sand- led us to safety. Do something for storm threatened to cut their travels me, Yaz,” began the Doctor, now short, Yasmin found herself believ- face to face with her young com- ing in the once again. panion. “Close your eyes. Think That faith had not let her down be- back… just a little, to the Osiran fore, and it certainly wouldn’t now. and what it did to you. Concentrate. Not after all they’d been through. Seek it out…” She closed her eyes, listening to Suddenly Yasmin shivered. A cold the wailing wind and the screeching shiver in a now much warmer room of the sonic screwdriver. than before. Perhaps, she thought, They were not going to die today. she was coming down with some- thing, but she knew full well she was mistaken. The TARDIS received a command “It’s here,” she said, coldly. “It’s from the Doctor herself. An order it among us.” knew it must respond to. But as it “But how?” started Graham. “Sure it did so, the Osiran burst through its was fast, but when the sandstorm doors, gaining entry to the ship. was raging, it was nowhere to be

10 seen. I could just about make out the TARDIS on the horizon, but I sure as hell didn’t see the Osiran.” “Of course,” remembered the Doc- tor. “At the speed it evaded us in the tunnels, it must jump time, par- ticularly whilst phasing in and out of this world, whilst desperately trying It should have been a dark and to establish a link. Well… now it’s stormy night. on board, I’m sorry to have to tell But it wasn't. you all it will have established that LV5 knew for a fact that it should link, because as the TARDIS have been a dark and stormy night moves through time, so do we, because it had visited the weather which means the speed at which control office, filled in the correct the Osiran travelled will have forms and left them with the correct slowed down dramatically to keep buro-bot-official. This had been af- up with the TARDIS as it too now ter a painfully long wait in a painful- travels in the vortex.” ly long queue. “Great,” said Ryan. “So when it Standing in the doorway of its comes to kill us, it won’t all be over home, LV5 looked up and saw that in an instant. It’ll be a long and the sky was currently a deep shade bloody affair.” of crimson. It was a median of the “Well, we’re not going to dwell on 220 20 60 range of colours, a medi- that,” replied the Doctor, “because an that LV5 found strangely sooth- that’s just one of many outcomes ing. that may or may not come to pass, The stars were beginning their and besides... I want to know more evening jaunt across the sky while about what it Local Star Prime had almost van- thinks it’ll find, before it gets round ished behind the Starboard Moun- to laying us to rest.” tains; and the ever changing glow of Proximal Orbiting Rock illuminat- To be continued... ed the perfectly clear night with its reflected visual energy.

LV5 checked its memory again. The correct request forms had been cor- rectly completed and then they had been correctly handed over to be correctly processed and yet there was still no sign of an electrical storm brewing in the sky nor a sin- gle cloud above it to spoil the per- fect sunset. Idly LV5 rotated one of its vision sensors towards the wall calendar and checked the date for the thirty- seventh time that hour in order to

11 make sure that this was the night model than the one it wore at week- when all the plans were due to cul- ends, when the little robot could minate. relax and do its own thing. LV5 had The empirical information of its ocu- recently developed a preference for lar sensors was very much at odds a body which was more comfortable with the experienced information it and less businesslike but such pref- had at hand. And LV5 did not like erences went against The Operat- that at all. ing System and were to be discour- The conflicting data set its diodes aged. on edge and caused all sorts of log- ic issues to bubble and boil deep "Long live The OS." LV5 said at a inside its processors. The squat low, almost inaudible volume as a robot had great plans; plans which shooting star lit up the sky for 3.265 centred on there being lightning in seconds. Then from somewhere the sky; lightning ready to provide a beyond LV5s veranda, came a jolt of badly needed energy. noise that its audio circuits identi- Without the required weather it was fied as familiar and yet alarming going to be just another dull night; a unclassifiable. dull night when the plans would... LV5 paused and juddered for a mo- As the robot searched again for a ment. precise match to the sound, it What exactly had its plans been? seemed again to be missing a spe- There was a hole in its memory cific identifying marker. The search where its plans should have been. brought up only an approximation, Links and subroutines all pointed of a long thin piece of metal being towards something vast and omi- slowly moved along the length of a nous but the actual plans were no- much smaller piece of metal. The where to be found. This concerned sound had an undeniable harmonic the robot even more than the lack quality that set it apart from being a of lightning. simple grinding noise.

If the LV5 had been wearing an al- As quickly as it had begun the noise ternative body then it would have stopped. LV5 knew that something been more than able to bite its own as peculiar as this would be ignored nails. However the body which it by many of the bots. It knew also currently inhabited had barely that ignoring it might be the best enough spare thumbs to engage in course of action. extensive twiddling. LV5 had devel- Perhaps this new sound was anoth- oped a curious fondness for twid- er entry into the catalogue of errors dling its thumbs and had even con- that had filled the evening and, LV5 sidered having permanent thumbs reasoned, all that the little tired bot as part of any future upgrade. needed was a good night’s This morning, LV5 had elected to defragmentation and a full re- wear a very functional form; a body, charge. If things were still bad in the more suited to its jobs as a commu- morning LV5 could make an ap- nity worker; an altogether less sleek pointment to see the Diagnostic in

12 the morning - if it could get past the sensor of that type would be limited reception algorithm on the desk. to less than half of the available After all, it pondered; the excite- spectrum. Madness! Then there ment which was originally lined up was the matter of the multitude of for this evening was now definitely holes across its top section. not on the cards - whatever that The top section had a name - it was excitement had actually been. called 'head'. How did LV5 know that? This particular 'head' had a As LV5 rotated its body ready to go mass of loosely coiled wire fixed back inside and head to its re- across its top – from somewhere charge booth for some well de- the word ‘hair’ came to LV5; and served voltage, there came a sec- the hole that the sounds seemed to ond strange noise which it immedi- be emanating from had a set of ately identified as language of some very large and very white cutting sort. Solid state protocols buried implements which were presumably deep inside the metal body, en- some sort of rudimentary multifunc- gaged and long dormant translation tional tool. From below the ‘head’ centres fired up. LV5 was rather down to the floor, the figure was surprised to find an extensive folder covered in an apparently random containing an entire database of arrangement of fabrics; the most this particular form of communica- striking feature of which was a long tion. It was very old and never used multi-coloured band, wound around but it was still there and taking up the narrow part immediately be- valuable space on the solid drive. neath the figure’s ‘head’, which LV5 made a mental note to exam- dragged behind it along the floor. ine this hidden file system later. LV5 stared at the new figure and As the files information opened and wondered what level of file corrup- cascaded through its accessible tion and bad data would inspire the memory the sound was immediately owner to make such curious choic- identified as an archaic yet rather es in its outward appearance. pleasant greeting. "I said ‘Hello’ there. Is it all right if I come in?" "Look old chap. Can you under- Standing in the entrance to LV5’s stand me? Hello.'" The pink ro- home was the single strangest ro- boform remained at the entrance to boform it had ever seen. This new LV5’s home. robot had an outer housing which LV5 ran a quick handshake pro- seemed to be made of some sort of gramme at the visitor. The poor thin rubber, which for some curious creature seemed to have its infor- reason the inhabitant had decided mation sharing protocols switched to spray 108-6C pink. The ludicrous off. Perhaps that was for the best, design choices did not end there. as the machine was clearly defec- LV5 marvelled at the pair of optical tive and sharing defective files sensors which although unfeasibly these days was a capital offence. large, seemed surprisingly basic in After all, No one wants to get cor- their operation. It was sure that a rupted through contact with a faulty

13 Bot. If the constantly flashing the er had more than its fair share of information screens were anything intuition, which was a much sought to be believed, the whole of modern after upgrade that was never going civilisation was at constant threat to be in the grasp of a bot like LV5, from the curse of unprotected file although it could recognise it in oth- sharing. ers. "I wonder..." said the pink bot as it Once LV5 had managed to engage approached LV5, raising a device the arcane language files it selected that resembled an augmented hy- an appropriate response. dro spanner. As the figure drew "I am fine thank you," it said and closer, LV5 ran quickly through the pondered for a moment. "Can I help catalogue in search of the manufac- you?" added the little robot thinking turing specifications for the device. that there should be more to the exchange. If nothing else, it was "I am beginning to think that some- intrigued by the new arrival and its one has been messing with your motives. memory. Now, that's not very polite "I just thought I would pop round to of them is it?" said the pink robot. give you a hand with your little ex- periment." The device (which, surprisingly did The intruders’ words worried LV5 not appear in the catalogue) made as it imagined that it had been tre- a screeching noise that caused LV5 mendously careful not to tell any- to feel positively uncomfortable for one about the plans it had made. It a fleeting moment; but when the had a memory of keeping the secret sound abated LV5 was amazed at but not of the actual secret itself. the wave of internal pop-up mes- sages informing it that it had been LV5 processed for a moment and granted access to new files. A cas- reasoned that it was reasonable to cade of them was appearing across assume that there could be others its entire operating system. There involved in its plan; and that those were old memory files filled with others could still have knowledge of information and research; hundreds the plan itself. Plans they could of files that had previously been share with LV5. Even if the intruder corrupted and deleted; everything did look ridiculous, it could hold the now returned and running perfect- key to the truth. ly. LV5 remembered how careful it had been; even going to the ludicrous The visitors face seemed to crack lengths of fire walling off huge open revealing the shining white chunks of memory files then logging stones within. The re-opened an error message when it failed to memory files knew this face. update the group server. "Thank you Doctor," said LV5 with a growing sense of realisation, "I am The rubber on the front of the pink beginning to suspect the others roboform changed shape. "You know what I am up to." don't seem to remember me at all." "Well that would be the logical rea- It was clear to LV5 that the interlop- son for you to forget ever knowing 14 me. Look, why don't I install a little a separate name - a name known security protocol into your operating to every single robot; a mythical system? You know, something to creature known as a human. stop anyone messing with that im- pressive core programme of yours. The crack in the centre of the crea- LV5 looked up at its friend. tures face expanded once again "And while I'm giving you an up- showing more of the white calcium grade, would you like me to install a units Teeth! They were called little something to help you pretend teeth. to forget all of this so that you draw Suddenly, there were mountains of less attention to yourself." information about the biology of these creatures all readily available. LV5 seemed to get smaller for a LV5’s hidden H: drive partition was moment. The act of lying to its fel- now wide open. low inhabitants of the planetoid was anathema to its very existence. "You know, I wouldn't take it per- Abstractedly, The Doctor looked out sonally. Clearly someone really of the portal and towards the sky. "I wanted you to forget our last few don't think you're going to get your meetings. And rewriting the odd storm tonight. Come to think of it, subroutine is clearly something asking for a storm directly from they've been doing for a while. Do weather control may just have you remember anything about our brought you to their attention." little chats? I'd hate to think I've LV5 re-scanned its own memory been wasting my breath, especially and found a previously missing 20 in a world so low on oxygen." minute segment in which that rather LV5 processed for a moment then officious looking security bot had said, "I have some items of memory taken LV5 to one side and wiped but huge sections of data are frag- the memory. mented and may not be immediate- "Yes. I suppose that would make ly accessible." sense.” 'Doctor, if this were capable of emotions then I am quite sure I LV5’s new files were slowly being would be feeling a combination of integrated into its operating system anger and violation. Without memo- causing it to experience a whole ries we are diminished." new set of sensations while the in- The crack in the creatures face; its terloper looked on. mouth, changed shape. "Now that's It suddenly realised that the form in the LV5 I know and love. I couldn't front of it was not a robot at all it agree more, old chap. Now, I sup- was something very, very old and pose I'd better get you up to speed something that registered as poten- and see if we can plug some of tially life changing and maybe dan- those holes in that memory of yours gerous. And yet there were files shall we?" specifically linked to this unit - a The Doctor continued, "The one new word - friend. thing that I don't like about visiting The shape in general however, had automata worlds is their distinct ab-

15 sence of..." He reached inside the "I didn't ask you to quote scripture. I flowing material covering that asked you your opinion. That is a adorned his body and brought out a fairly simplistic view if you don't cylindrical object with a criss-cross mind me saying so." The Doctor pattern over most of its length and a seemed a little angry. white end, which the Doctor began "Do you mind if I put some logic unscrewing frantically. "…tea. So, I problems your way?" asked the hu- brought my own thermos flask." man shaped visitor." Suddenly the organic life form bent Again LV5 engaged the idioms from at its centre and LV5 was con- its newly acquired language files. cerned that the Doctor was mal- "Be my guest." functioning before it realised that it The Doctor looked out of the door was merely changing position from and across the valley. "Let’s start vertical to semi-vertical. This shape with something less inflammatory. clearly had semi collapsible limbs. LV5, what’s the name of the New words rose from its archive of town?" information, "sitting down." LV5 was LV5 wondered if his visitor was intrigued by this concept and decid- lacking in basic knowledge as this ed to investigate it later. For now, was hardly a logic problem, it was other more pressing questions were merely an enquiry, "The town?" rising from the newly acquired da- "Yes the large habitation, the place ta. where you asked ever so politely for the storm you never received. "Doctor, why do I now have memo- What's it called?" ries of the organic life forms; and LV5 seemed to have acquired a more importantly why were they not rudimentary sarcasm patch. "Thank previously accessible?" you for the clarification. The town is "There is nothing like asking the known as 'Impact'." most complicated question first, is "'Impact.' That is a curious name for there?" a town. I mean it’s not Brighton or LV5 thought for a moment and then Hove but it is still quite curious." said, "No, there are at least 17,000 "I have never given it any thought." more complicated questions but "Or you have been programmed not let's start with that one." to question it," suggested the Doc- "Actually let’s not. How about I ask tor. you some questions and we can see if you can fill in the blanks? I LV5 was particularly proud of the mean do you know where life start- location of his dwelling. Not only did ed on this world for a start?" it provide free access to the electri- The Doctor clearly wanted to check cal experiments; but it allowed a that the LV5 was operating at full wonderful view of the town in the capacity and was opening with valley below. "You can see most of some simple questions. the town from the veranda. But then "An easy one Doctor. We have al- again, I suspect you already know ways been here and we will always that, as I am convinced we have remain here. We are forever." spoken before."

16 "Oh yes we have not just talked," you think that the original shape of the Doctor lent in conspiratorially, the town of Impact might have been "we have planned." He sprang to a lot different? And, if that is the his feet. "Come outside and tell me case, what shape and function what you can see." might it have had" Like old friends they journeyed LV5 considered and fixated on the through the door and into the cool word 'might.' and then it set about evening. Now that the sunset was creating a series of complex three almost complete the electrical lights dimensional images; taking care to of the town were beginning to flicker slot the parts back together. Finally into luminescence. Using an illegal LV5 made a 'ping" noise. pride patch, LV5 showed its new/ "Yes, logically the town could have old friend the view of the valley be- been contained inside a single low. structure. That structure would have "Yes, it’s very pretty I'm sure, but been a solid, slightly flattened, cy- tell me, what do you actually see?" lindrical shape with a series of fins enquired the Doctor. at its edge and on top." Confused by the question LV5 an- "Excellent. And what would its pur- swered the best it could, "It is pose have been?" home." "Purpose?" The Doctor was displaying new "Yes. If the whole place was emotions that would need to be packed into one shape; and it was a cross referenced later. lovely shape too; what was it for, "No, tell me what you really see. and what happened? I’ll give you a What shape is it?" clue. Remember what you called LV5 considered its answer. "Well the town." the central area seems to have It was only a matter of seconds be- once been a long cylindrical shape fore LV5 produced a full schematic and now it looks like large sections for the shape, extrapolating it out- have been taken apart and used to wards and searching for a function. make various buildings and utility As a robot, LV5 knew that function structures. We can still make out and form were at the core of any the majority of its shape." design. Design is beauty and beau- "Excellent!" The Doctor displayed ty is truth. more teeth. "Yes, that's it. Now the Design - the town had been built for last time we talked like this, you as- another purpose. sured me that the shape was just a The shape was more than familiar coincidence. So now I ask you and could only have had a single again," the Doctor pointed to the function. But the function was a western end of the valley, "what if myth. we factor in those scorch marks?" "Well?" asked the Doctor after a LV5 had to admit that there was a few moments of silence. huge dark area towards one end of "Logically the town of Impact was a the town disappearing off over the travel machine. But flying cities are mountains. not real. They are only legends. "Now here is your logic problem. Do They are the stories we tell our

17 young." "Do you know what they mean?" "Yes, the robot children I've met asked the Doctor. them, they're quite charming, if a LV5 stared at the images and ex- little boisterous. Some of them don't amined them closely before check- know their own strength. Robots ing their meaning. building robots it's simply marvel- There were three large shapes and lous." The Doctor remembered his a smaller block of code under- questioning. "But could it have neath. flown?" The three shapes were letters. LV5 considered the physics of the UEE shape and the practicalities in- "Do you know what UEE is my me- volved. "Limited sub-orbital flight. tallic friend?" The fins would be for guidance on- "Negative." ly." LV5 realised that these were "UEE stands for United Earth Exo- not its own thoughts. The descrip- dus and the words underneath say tion was coming from a long lost file 'Venture Seven.' The mystery of somewhere deep inside. The flight whatever happened to the Venture manual. Seven has puzzled historians for "Doctor! How would I know all this hundreds of years and there it is and yet I do not?" being used as a town hall. Tell me "It looks like only parts of your LV5, what do you know about memory were wiped, while others Earth?" were hard wired and were simply Again, this was an easy question. hidden. Let’s take a walk into town "Yes, Earth. It is a fictional planet of shall we? And while we walk, we monsters, which are not made of can take a look at that structure metal or plastic. They spread out over near the pointy end and you into the universe causing nothing can tell me what that writing says." but destruction and pain wherever they go. It is nothing more than a Lose rocks and pebbles scattered fairy story." as the pair made their way down "So robots believe in fairies? That's the side of the valley toward the a thesis waiting to be written. If that town that LV5 had called Impact. is the case then why does your As they walked down the hillside town have human writing on its side the Doctor noted the ever pervasive and how is it that you know Earth information screens that filled every languages?" corner of the town; their soft glow The questions began to cascade providing extra illumination on their and the undeniable logic converted journey. itself into an inescapable truth. LV5 looked towards the front of the "We are from Earth? Surely that's ship and the black markings it had heresy." walked past almost every day just "Fairies and heresy in the same assuming that they were some sort day; I know a few philosophers who of art. Now, given access to the old would have a field-day with you, language files a new meaning was LV5. I not only think you are from dawning on the small bot. Earth but I think that someone

18 doesn't want you to know the truth. Actually I'm sure Ike Asimov would I think we should take a closer look have got a kick out of all this too, at that ship of yours. Wouldn't you but enough of that, we have im- agree?" portant work to do. We need to find For a millisecond LV5 was con- out who has been messing with fused - Ship? Town? "Yes. Let us your memory and more important- investigate." ly..." he paused for effect. "Yes Doctor?" As they grew closer to the settle- "Why?" ment LV5 was surprised by how Again, LV5 processed. little reaction the Doctor was raising in the other inhabitants. "If this town has the same lay out as "Doctor, the others...?" the other Venture Class ships, then "What about them?" I think there is something in here "They are not reacting to you at all. we need to see." The Doctor led Can’t they see you? Are you really LV5 through the maze of small out- here at all or are you nothing more buildings and into the heart of the than glitch in my software?" town; a building that LV5 could now "We are all a glitch in somebody’s not see as anything other than a software. But no, I think that they crashed and cannibalised star ship. have all been programmed not to The stars above vanished as they see me, or anyone this shape. Like entered a long cylindrical corridor you said, humans are the stuff of and they walked deeper into the legend, you can’t have one just main structure. LV5 felt file connec- turning up on the street now, can tions tell it that it had been here be- you? As far as these little chaps are fore but again it was frustrating to concerned I'm almost invisible." find that it had no memories. "Almost?" And as if in answer to "Doctor, have we been here be- LV5’s question, one taller bot fore?" swerved to avoid the Doctor then "Yes, I have shown you this room a carried on its way as if nothing had couple of times. In fact this room is happened. the reason you had requested the "My guess is that they are register- lightning storm. Here let me get the ing my existence on a subcon- switches." The Doctor headed to scious level. It’s fascinating really. the corner of the room and set Anyway, it wouldn't really do to about a control panel with his de- have all of the inhabitants descend- vice. If LV5 had been capable of ing on us with a multitude of ques- facial expressions then It would tions and no answers." have elected to look confused.

The Doctor bounded out in front of "You must have noticed that this a group of tall security robots who ship... your town is big. Big, but not simply separated and went around big enough to carry a population of him without even breaking step. few million people. Which brings us "Behold! I am the invisible man. Old to this..." Herbert would have been proud. The Doctor made a strange move-

19 ment with his arm and gestured to- LV5 finished off the Doctor’s train wards a set of large tanks on the of thought. "Only the Venture Sev- wall near a raised dais. "This is the en never made it to another world. matter repatriations room." Is that why you are here Doctor? LV5 searched its memory banks To wake the humans? To... unzip and came back with nothing. their files?" "Do you remember what I was say- "Well, to be honest. That's why I ing about the ship being from came in the first place. You know, Earth?" to solve a mystery; save the hu- "Of course I remember Doctor. It mans; pretty much a normal day for was only moments ago that you me. But then I found you and all said that." your metal chums and to be hon- "Excellent, it's good to see that the est, LV... I may call you LV mayn’t holes in your memory aren't grow- I? I've grown rather fond of you ing. Well, the people of Earth need- all." ed to escape from some sort of dis- "So, what was the lightning for? aster or other. They are always do- What did I need the power for?" ing that sort of thing. But with space "Well... At our last meeting you de- being a bit on the large side it takes cided that you needed to ask a real such a long time to get anywhere. human what they wanted and to do So, those clever little monkeys are that you would have to power up always looking for new ways to the T-MAT unit. That and get the travel." The Doctor was clearly en- terraforming unit up to speed. Hu- joying explaining things to LV5. mans need air after all, and all you were using it for was a little spot of "Anyway, one bright spark came up weather control." with the idea using a system called "Don't you need air to..." LV5 knew T-MAT; a sort of matter transport the word, "breath?" system... but that's not important "Ah! You see it's my turn to tell the right now. So this little genius had truth. I'm not exactly human. I don't the idea of converting loads of peo- need nearly as much oxygen as a ple into information, but then not human. I need some; just not as putting them back together right much." away. Instead, all the information was loaded onto a computer on a A voice boomed from the doorway spaceship and only reassembled "So you are here to bring the hu- into people once they had reached mans back. LV5 Get away from their destination. That way you did- that bag of flesh before you end up n't need to feed them on the voy- bringing about the end of the age; and they could all fit into a world." much smaller ship; a ship with a The Doctor smiled. "Oh look. It’s crew of rather lovely robots to take the friendly neighbourhood megalo- care of them while they were noth- maniac. And he has brought some ing but data, enjoying a million year gruff looking chums along too." nap." A tall spindly robot stood at the doorway.

20 "Doctor, that's the Librarian.” "Yes, you and your evolution non- "Librarians! The worst kind of meg- sense. I ask you the same question alomaniacs in the universe, mark that I asked you all those years my words. If you've ever had a ago. How could an inferior creature book overdue, you will know what I possibly have created us?" mean." "That's pretty messed up logic, if "Humans cannot be allowed to you ask me; which you should. I walk among us again." mean I am usually the smartest "Oh come on, Librarian. Some of person in the room." my best friends are human. They "No one asked you, flesh box!" aren't all that bad." screeched the Librarian. "This is The Librarian turned to LV5. "All of between LV5 and me." this is your fault." "Now there is a thing, robots taking "My fault?" LV5 looked on. "How things personally. You really are can this be my fault?" quite a special little subspecies. "Core memory release code Alpha Now, Mister Librarian... your code Seven November - Trigger word doesn't happen to be LV1 by any 'Bean'," replied the Librarian. "You chance does it... I wonder what and your theories of evolution - happened to the other three..." madness." "That is not important. You will suf- For the second time that evening fer a much worse fate - terminal new memories appeared in LV5’s recycling." memory. This time they had not "What, really? That doesn't sound simply been wiped these had been likely! We are for the knackers yard hidden with a secure lock. Releas- because you can’t handle a few ing these was painful in the ex- new ideas?" treme. "It doesn't have to end like this." "Do you understand now?" whis- LV5 interrupted. "There is a solu- pered the Librarian bot. tion." "What's up old chap?" asked the The librarian paused, "I am listen- Doctor with huge concern. ing." "EVERY... Every... Everything is "I submit to a factory reset, that clear now. I was not always a should stop me from coming up maintenance bot," LV5 looked di- with any more ideas of my own in rectly at the Librarian. I was a li- future. In return, you let the Doctor brarian too... I accessed the an- go. cient files... No… not files... non- The Librarian shook its top section. volatile recording devices - books. I "Don't you understand, LV5? That read the old books and..." is why you are LV5 and not LV2. "Don't blow a gasket. Take it nice You have been reset three times and easy," smiled the Doctor. already. And every time you end up LV continued. "And I had a theory. confronting me with your ideas." We were descended from humans. "Ah, an inescapable truth." quipped We were their products. We were the Doctor. their children; their rightful de- "There is no alternative. LV5 I am scendants." not a monster. I am simply trying to

21 save us all. You are the chaotic ele- agined it possessed. "Rather than ment. Once we have removed you withhold proof or spread lies, I will from the equation, then things can tell my ideas to the people and let go back to normal. Normality will them decide what to do. I hope that return." like me, they will want to meet our "The Doctor smiled, "And all it takes ancestors." is the death of a couple of people. "But we will become their slaves!" No thank you." pleaded the Librarian. The Librarian rounded on him. "You The Doctor coughed and interrupt- should not be here. You are an ed "Not necessarily. Things have anomaly. " moved on in the universe since you "I do try. Oh and Mister Librarian, I had your little accident. Robot rights think you have forgotten some- are very much in vogue right now. I thing." could introduce you to some lovely "Impossible. It is my function to re- people. And that unruly mob out- member everything, in order to side will probably have an opinion teach the..." The librarian froze. about it. I don't think people take "Teach the humans... you were go- kindly to being threatened with a ing to say teach the humans." factory reset, you know. " "No, that is not what I meant. You "But what about the humans, Doc- will listen.” tor? All that living data?" “Maybe we should take a little look "I can’t be expected to think of eve- outside." suggested the Doctor. rything. I am sure you and your "What is that noise? Treachery!" metal chums can come up with screeched the Librarian and the some sort of solution. You are group turned to the door. bright chaps. If you do decide to "Looks like the natives are revolt- bring some of them back from stor- ing. Metal villagers with pitchforks. age, just remember that they will You can't wipe all their memories." need air, water and food. And often they will need to be talked to as if LV5 stood closer to the Doctor. they were children. Just don't let "What is happening?" them think that you are patronising "Oh I thought that the rest of the them. They can take it badly. Oh inhabitants should know about all of and you may need this." The Doctor this. When I put the lights on I also handed over his thermos flask. "I'm engaged the security cameras and sure that some of them may need a the town’s information screens. The nice cup of tea when they wake locals have seen and heard every- thing. See Librarian, you have an- noyed everyone. What are you go- ing to do? Factory reset them all?" "If I have to, I will reset the whole colony." "I think you are the one who is heading for a factory reset." Said LV5 with more purpose than it im-

22 sumptuous. Very palatial, Evelyn thought. “So why are we here, spe- cifically?” “Does there have to be an ulterior motive?” The Doctor seemed hurt. “I just thought it’d be nice for us to take a breather from our travels, PROLOGUE spend a few days in a rather grand hotel, and…” “Well, Evelyn. What do you think?” “And ingratiate yourself with the Evelyn Smythe took in the splen- locals,” Evelyn finished for him. dour of the Galactica Hotel. “It’s “Honestly, Doctor. You’re like a big certainly very grand,” she agreed. kid sometimes.” “Just refresh my memory – why are The Doctor grinned. “Well, it we here, on Earth, in the year doesn’t hurt to massage a few egos 2260?” once in a while.” “To meet the eminent Professor Edwin Graywell,” the Doctor re- They had arrived at the reception plied. “He’s very well known in his desk. The hotel clerk turned at the field.” sound of the bell. “Yes sir?” “Which is?” “Ah, Maurice; you’re still here, “Oh, didn’t I mention?” A shake of then?” the head from Evelyn answered “Evidently, sir. It’s good to have you that question. “Well, he developed with us again.” Maurice smiled. a process to eliminate the Scarg “Your usual rooms are ready for Virus.” you.” He handed over their room Evelyn glanced at him. “And that’s keys. good, is it?” “Thank you so much.” The Doctor “Good? Good?” The Doctor stared hefted up a travelling bag. amazed at her. “Evelyn, in your “While I’m staying in your wonderful time period, Scarg would be com- hotel, I wonder if you might put this parable to the common cold.” in your safe.” Evelyn was impressed. “So this “That shouldn’t be a problem, sir,” Graywell chap is a doctor of some the clerk assured him, taking the sort?” bag. “He used to be,” the Doctor told Evelyn was immediately suspi- her. “Now he’s more of a philan- cious. “In all the time I’ve known thropist, really. As well as doing his you, you’ve never carried hand lug- bit to find a cure, Graywell provided gage of any description. What’s in the money to allow the much need- that bag? And how often have you ed research to go ahead. Without been here?” that, your planet would be in a less “All in good time, Professor than healthy state. Now, let’s go Smythe,” the Doctor said mysteri- and check in, shall we?” ously. “Now, you go up and get set- tled. I’ve one or two things to sort The interior of the hotel was just as out here first.”

23 She smiled. “Aye aye, captain.” tor, the attendant pressing the ap- propriate button. As the doors *** closed, the Doctor could see Iris attempting to extricate herself from As he watched her go, the Doctor the suitcases and travelling bags, noticed the clerk leaning toward while mingling hotel staff made con- him. “I don’t know if you’re aware, vincing efforts to help her, without sir,” he said quietly, “but there’s a… actually doing so. “I’ll ‘ave your woman attempting to attract your flamin’ ‘eads f’this,” she bellowed, attention.” as the closing elevator doors The Doctor was about to ask who, blocked out any further sounds. when he heard the unmistakable voice some distance behind him. *** His face took on a pained look. “Is she wearing a shawl, with a volumi- In another part of the foyer, the ho- nous frock and what might loosely tel manager was observing Iris’ non be termed a hat?” -display of tact. “What on Earth is “I’m afraid so, sir.” she doing here?” he wondered. “,” the Doctor sighed, Sighing, he quickly arranged for Iris without turning, “the bane of my to be escorted out of the hotel, be- life.” fore she could do any more dam- The clerk sympathised. “We have a age. private elevator for use in such cir- “That woman is not to be allowed cumstances, if you wish to avoid back inside this hotel,” he informed the lady, sir.” Maurice. “That would be very much appreci- Maurice was already checking the ated, Maurice,” the Doctor replied register. “But, Miss Wildthyme is gratefully. “If only there were some one of our regular customers. She kind of distraction…” has already booked her room.” The clerk looked around, and Cursing under his breath, and not smiled. “I think that can be ar- wishing to make a scene, the man- ranged.” ager quickly arranged for Iris to be escorted back into the hotel, with Out of the corner of his eye, the no word of explanation. Doctor could see a luggage at- tendant wheeling a trolley of lug- *** gage past his line of vision. Then he saw the clerk give a discreet nod to Once Iris had recovered her com- the attendant. In the next moment posure and her dignity, she strode the sound of tumbling luggage up to the desk. “Excuse me luvvy, could be heard, alongside the yelps but which room is the Doctor stay- and protests of the lady in ques- ing in?” tion. The clerk shook his head. “I’m Taking his cue from the clerk, the afraid I can’t divulge that infor- Doctor took advantage of the confu- mation, madam.” sion and hurried to the open eleva- “But we’re old friends,” she insisted,

24 about to look at the hotel register. Due to attend were various digni- “And we’ve got so much catching taries and luminaries, as well as up to do.” the aforementioned Professor The clerk quickly removed the reg- Graywell. “I must say, I’m looking ister from the desk. “Be that as it forward to tonight. It’s been a long may, this hotel has a reputation to time since I had an evening out like uphold. And we do not give out this.” guests’ accommodation details The Doctor smiled. “You will be without good reason.” treated like royalty, Evelyn. I can Iris would have pressed the issue promise you that.” further, but decided against it. “All “And no monsters?” she asked. right then. Can I leave some stuff in He shook his head. “No monsters – your safe, chuck?” apart from the one I almost ran into The clerk sighed. “What sort of downstairs,” he said to himself. ‘stuff,’ madam?” “Just a few knick-knacks.” Iris *** grabbed a travelling bag from the cases still being returned to the trol- The man in the sharp suit, who had ley. “Jewellery mostly. Nothing fan- booked a room under the name of cy.” Smith, locked the door to his room, The clerk took the bag, giving it a opened his travelling bag and brief look that told Iris that he had smiled at the sight of the docu- recognised it as the same make, ments inside - top-secret dossiers design and colour as the Doctor’s. on various important people, which “You can be assured that your per- had been painstakingly gathered sonal luggage will be safe here.” over many months. It would soon Iris grinned. “Y’mean safe in the be time to make the information safe? Oh, never mind,” she said. “I public; but not yet. There was still was forgetting – humour isn’t a one more person he had to track strong point around here.” She down. He hadn’t found him, but he flounced off, the clerk sighing as knew he was someone in this ho- she went. tel. As she went in search of the bar, But Mr Smith was reluctant to another guest entered the hotel. leave the bag in his room. To be His dark suit was well made, so effective, he needed to move that there was no discernable bulge around freely, while ensuring that from his shoulder holster. He also the information accumulated so far carried a red travelling bag. could be left untouched. Returning the dossiers to the bag, Mr Smith took the lift down to the foyer. 1. CHANGING TIMES *** By the time the Doctor had caught up with Evelyn, she had unpacked; In the hotel bar, Iris was holding and was busy choosing what to court with anyone who would lis- wear for the reception that evening. ten. She hadn’t drunk enough to

25 make a scene, but she was none- “If I’m to get any sense out of you, theless feeling very relaxed. She yes,” the Doctor replied. “Now, drink held out her empty glass to the bar- this – or perhaps I should leave you man. “Put another one in there, to the not so tender mercies of the sweetheart, and Auntie Iris’ll tell you management.” the story of her long and glorious Iris tried to sit up straight, with only life.” limited success. “I am a guest here, Another hand reached out and took y’know.” the glass from her. Outraged, she “Then behave like one, not like turned – to find the Doctor staring some matelot gasping for a first balefully at her. “No more drinks, drink after months at sea.” The Iris. I want to know why you’re Doctor liked Iris, though he was here.” loath to admit it. He just wished she “Ah, you’re a lovely man, Doctor.” didn’t make such a spectacle of She twirled her fingers around his herself. “Why can’t you behave with curly hair. “Don’t be such a killjoy.” some decorum, like these good “Iris, I mean it.” people here?” Through her semi drunken stupor, “Because there’s one or two bad Iris caught the steel in the Doctor’s ‘uns here, that’s why.” Iris slurped eyes and let her mouth droop into a at her coffee. “That’s why I’m here, pout. “All right, Doctor. You win.” Doctor. I’m on a mission.” He sighed, relieved. “That’s better.” “Iris, you’re in no fit state to be on “Just give us a kiss first,” she said, any sort of mission,” the Doctor lunging toward him. sighed. “And who are these ‘bad ‘uns’ you’re referring to?” *** Iris’ voice dropped to a whisper. “That’s just it, I don’t know.” She Unseen by any of the hotel staff, pushed her cup away. “I heard on the safe had been opened. Inside the grapevine about tonight’s recep- were the three identical travelling tion, which, if I’m right, leads on to a bags – plus one extra; each with a meeting at some institute or other.” different coloured tag. In a matter of moments the tags had been The Doctor couldn’t fault Iris’ infor- swapped around. Whoever called to mation. “Professor Graywell is hold- reclaim their bag would undoubted- ing a meeting at the Furnham Insti- ly receive the wrong one. tute tomorrow, yes. What about it?” “Well, that’s the trouble. I don’t *** know.” Iris seemed to be regaining control of her faculties. “I had a After a few moments, Iris had lovely lad travelling with me for a calmed down, and was sitting quiet- while. Andy, his name was. Well, ly in a corner alcove of the bar, the when he left, he promised to let me Doctor administering copious know if there was any trouble brew- amounts of black coffee. “Urgh! Do ing that I might want to investigate. you ’ave to?” she complained. He was a good lad, in that way.” “And this Andy contacted you?”

26 “I only got a brief message,” she sort of a name is that?” explained, “to get down here to “A name belonging to a very good planet Earth 2260, where some- friend of mine,” the Doctor replied. thing bad was going to happen. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Iris, I Andy was going to meet me to ex- have to get ready for tonight. It’s a plain everything, only he never 7.30pm start.” He caught Iris’ sad turned up.” Tears began to well up face as he moved to leave. “I prom- as Iris pulled out a handkerchief to ise to keep my eyes peeled for any wipe away the tears. trouble, all right?” The Doctor recognised genuine She looked up at him. “Thanks for concern from Iris, and began to re- that at least, Doctor. You’re a good alise why she had been drinking – ‘un.” to blot out a possible worse-case scenario. “You think something *** might have happened to him?” Iris shrugged helplessly. “I only Iris watched him go, and sat back wish I knew for certain. But it’s not in her seat, dejected. “If only I could like young Andy to disappear like get into that reception hall tonight,” that.” she moaned. “Instead it’ll be the Doctor and that Smythe woman – The Doctor shared Iris’ concern. unless…” An idea began to take Whenever the two of them met up, shape as Iris left her seat and hur- trouble was never very far away; ried out of the bar to the front desk. even if Iris wasn’t the cause of it. With the clerk absent, Iris grabbed Plus, Iris wasn’t the type to seek the hotel register, scanning its pag- sympathy through crying, and if es until she found Evelyn’s name there was something going on, it and room number. Then she picked definitely needed investigating. “All up the desk telephone and dialled. right, Iris. Against my better judge- She heard the phone ring, then af- ment, I’ll believe you.” ter a moment, it was picked up and “Oh, thanks, Doctor.” The tears all a woman’s voice answered. but gone, Iris was now feeling more “Hello?” composed. “Now, if you could get “Hello, Miss Smythe?” me into that reception tonight…” “Yes. Who is this?” “Oh, no.” The Doctor held up his Iris pinched her nose to alter her hands. “That’s a ticket-only event. voice. “This is Claudia, one of the And all tickets are taken. But after organisers for the reception tonight. all that you’ve told me, I’ll keep a I just wanted to let you know that sharp eye out for any trouble.” the start time has had to be put “Oh, come on, Doctor,” Iris persist- back one hour, so things will be ed. “It’s not as if you’re with any- kicking off at 8.30 instead of 7.30.” one…” Evelyn seemed to accept this with- “As a matter of fact, I am,” the Doc- out question. “Oh. Well, thank you tor told her. “Her name is Evelyn very much for telling me, Miss…?” Smythe.” “Wildth… Wildman,” Iris said quick- Iris’ jaw dropped. “Evelyn? What ly. “Natalie Wildman, Miss Smythe.

27 Sorry for any inconvenience.” “You could say that.” The Doctor “That’s quite all right, dear,” came brushed the question aside. “It’d the reply. “But I thought you said take far too long to explain proper- your name was Claudia?” ly. But the point is, she’s certain Iris thought fast. “Well, it’s Claudia- that something’s not quite right. Natalie. One of those double- And despite her shortcomings, I’m barrelled names.” inclined to give her the benefit of “I see.” There were no further ques- the doubt.” tions. “Well, thank you again. Good “And she wanted you to get her into bye.” tonight’s reception?” The telephone went dead, as Iris “She was quite insistent about it.” A finally relaxed. “By ‘eck, that were look passed between the Doctor close. Now, with Miss Smythe out and Evelyn. “Why? What’s of the way, I just need to blag a tick- wrong?” et.” With a spring in her step, the Evelyn told him. time travelling adventuress began to make plans. ***

*** After her initial euphoria, Iris was beginning to despair. The Doctor Evelyn replaced the receiver had been correct, there were no thoughtfully. It had been a very spare tickets left. She didn’t want to strange call, as if the person on the draw attention to herself by gate other end were making it up as she crashing the event, but there went along. A knock at her door seemed no other option. broke her train of thought. “Evelyn? Then Iris came upon the notice Are you decent?” board, and one particular notice She smiled. “Come in, Doctor. The relating to the reception. ‘All name door isn’t locked.” badges for tonight’s reception are The door opened and the Doctor now ready for collection in the main peered in, as if to make sure. On foyer,’ she read. “Now, that’s more seeing Evelyn, he smiled and like it.” Iris headed back to where a walked in. “Sorry I’ve been so long. table had been placed just a short I had to look up an old acquaint- distance from the main desk. Iris ance.” The Doctor quickly explained strode up, noting that the name about his meeting with Iris, and why badges were already laid out on the she was staying at the hotel. table. “And is she reliable, this Iris?” Eve- A steward looked up and smiled as lyn asked. “She sounds like the Iris approached. “What name, mad- wayward sort to me.” am?” “I suppose she is,” the Doctor re- “Evelyn Smythe,” Iris replied, with- plied, smiling. “But her hearts are in out missing a beat. the right place.” “And may I see your invitation Evelyn picked up on this. “You said please?” ‘hearts’ – plural. Is she a Time Lord Iris made a show of searching for it. or something?” “Oh blast. I know I had it with me

28 when I left me room.” 2. RECEPTION COMMITTEE The steward was apologetic but firm. “Well, I can’t really issue these They met outside their respective without seeing an invitation. If you’d rooms. Evelyn had selected a pale care to come back later…” blue trouser suit, topped off with a Iris had an inspired idea. “Oh, now I glittery scarf over her shoulders. remember. I gave mine to the Doc- The Doctor had, for once, changed tor for safekeeping.” out of his usual attire and was now “The Doctor?” This brought a smile wearing a black dinner suit with of recognition. “Well, that’s different. matching bow tie. “Ready, Miss With the Doctor being an honoured Smythe?” guest, I don’t really see that there’s “Whenever you are, Doctor.” Smil- any problem.” He handed Iris the ing, Evelyn linked her arm through name badge. his, as they made their way to the elevator. *** *** The Doctor was pacing the floor, fuming at Iris’ attempt to trick Eve- Mr Smith had elected to dine in the lyn. “I might have known she’d try hotel restaurant. Seeing as he was something like this.” being paid well for his work, he de- Evelyn remained calm. “Well, cided that he might as well make you’ve got to admire her nerve. And the most of the evening. He was anyway, there’s no harm done. I still about to order, when he saw some- have my invitation card, so we one at a nearby table, watching should be fine.” him, and raising a glass of wine in The Doctor ceased his pacing, real- obvious recognition. ising that Evelyn was absolutely Mr Smith completed his order. As right. “I suppose she can’t do any the waitress moved away, Smith’s real harm,” he reasoned. “Even if view of the other table was ob- she is so infuriating.” scured as she walked past. When “Exactly. Now, I think we had better he looked again the table was emp- get ready for tonight.” ty. The man had gone, leaving Mr The Doctor prepared to leave, but Smith unusually troubled. was doubtful. “Evelyn, are you sure you still want to go through with *** this?” “Absolutely.” Evelyn showed him The chandeliers that hung from the out of her room, and caught his high ceiling were the first things to arm. “If half of what you’ve told me catch Evelyn‘s eye as she and the about Iris Wildthyme is true, then Doctor entered the reception hall. we’re probably in for a lively even- As she had assumed, her invitation ing.” card was accepted, and Evelyn was “I know,” the Doctor agreed. “And positively basking in the glory of the that’s what I’m afraid of.” occasion. “It’s like one of those film premieres one reads about in the

29 newspapers,” she said. pleasure on her face. “Oh, and The Doctor smiled. “But this is there he is, talk of the devil. Doctor, much more fun. With , there I’ve just been telling these lovely are so many touchy egos floating people…” around.” “In a moment,” the Doctor interrupt- “And that doesn’t apply here?” ed, steering her toward Zarchov “Perhaps,” he admitted. “But on a and Evelyn. “You see, Evie, Evelyn much smaller scale. Ah...” The and I were wondering where you’d Doctor nodded ahead of them. got to.” “There’s our host, Professor Gray- At the mention of Evelyn’s name, well.” Iris’ face paled as she turned to face her adopted namesake. At the sound of his name, a small “Erm… you made it then, Evelyn.” rotund man turned. “Ah, Doctor.” She smiled at Graywell. “I did won- His Germanic accent was brusque, der if my elder sister would be fit but friendly. “I’ve just been hearing enough for tonight.” all about your adventures.” Evelyn almost spluttered into her Returning Graywell’s handshake, drink. “Did she say…?” the Doctor was puzzled. He was With Graywell listening in, Iris was known here, yes. But no one here forced to keep up the pretence. would be aware of his travels. “I’m “Well, she rarely gets out these not sure I follow.” days, the poor love. But I’m glad Graywell laughed good-naturedly. you felt able to make the effort this “There is no need to be so modest. time. Feeling better, luvvy?” It was Your friend Evie has been telling to both their credits that Iris’ hesi- everyone all about you.” Graywell tancy was barely noticeable, while indicated a woman whose back Evelyn just about managed to hold was facing them, but appeared to her temper. be the centre of attention, regaling those in earshot about the Doctor’s Graywell was still curious. “But the exploits. name… Evelyn… Evie.” “Oh, there have been Evelyn’s “Oh, and that were a near thing, let passed down through the family,” me tell you, luvvy. If the Doctor Iris replied. “Though I think Evie hadn’t found the right antidote, with has a better ring to it, don’t you?” help from me, of course, well, those Evelyn had had enough. “Elder sis- poor little Imps would have had it. ter indeed. If you’re what I think you No word of a lie.” are - Evie, then you’re not exactly The Doctor looked at Evelyn. “What in the first flush of youth yourself.” was it you said, about her not caus- Iris’ smile faltered for a moment. ing any harm?” “You what?” “I take it all back,” Evelyn replied. “Well, you know what they say With Iris still in full flow, the Doctor about younger sisters,” Evelyn re- slowly stepped up behind her. marked. “They’ve usually been “Hello - Evie.” around the block a few times.” Iris turned to face him, a look of Iris saw red. “You take that back!

30 You’re no spring chicken, you old turned to Iris. “I sincerely apologise bag!” for my awful behaviour.” “Well, that’s the pot calling the ket- The Doctor finally let out a breath. tle black for a start,” Evelyn rallied. “Well, now that that’s out of the The Doctor, having stood on the way, I suppose we ought to make sidelines all this time, at last our excuses and leave the recep- stepped in. “Ladies, ladies, please. tion.” This is not the time or place for “But, we can’t do that, Doctor,” Iris family squabbles.” He put an arm pleaded. “Not after I managed to around each of them, steering them butter up old Graywell. I had him away from the centre of the room. eating out of me hand before you The Doctor briefly looked back to turned up.” Professor Graywell, managing a “Yes, I’m curious about that,” said weak smile. “Sorry about this. Sib- the Doctor. “Why did you go to ling rivalry, you know.” such lengths to put me in such a glowing light?” The Doctor forced the two strug- Iris lowered her voice. “To get you gling women into a quiet corner. invited to the Furnham Institute for “Out of all the devastation and car- tomorrow, that’s why.” nage I’ve seen,” he bellowed, “it “I’m not sure I understand,” said the pales into nothing compared to the Doctor. disgraceful behaviour of you two “I think I do.” Evelyn studied the ladies – and I use the term advised- various luminaries in attendance. ly.” “This is a formal reception for all Evelyn and Iris looked back at the the great and the good, but Profes- Doctor, stunned into silence – for a sor Graywell strikes me as the sort moment. “She started it,” Iris mut- of chap who would prefer to get to tered. know people more socially. So, to- “She took my name badge,” Evelyn night’s get together is like a dress retorted rehearsal for tomorrow, where he “She was casting aspersions about can choose who to invite.” me,” Iris bit back. “Got it in one, luvvy,” Iris grinned. “Enough!” The two women fell si- “Don’t forget, Doctor. My Andy said lent. “It doesn’t matter who started something bad was going to hap- it,” the Doctor insisted. “It ends pen, but he didn’t say where. So, if here, right now.” this isn’t the place…” For the second time that day, Iris “Then it has to be the Institute,” the had to apologise for her actions. Doctor finished for her. “Well, per- “I’m sorry, Doctor, Evelyn. It won’t haps we can butter up the Profes- happen again.” sor a bit more, eh ladies?” “It had better not. Evelyn?” She stared at him. “You want me *** to…?” The Doctor nodded. “You gave as It was a concerned Mr Smith who good as you got, Miss Smythe.” had left the restaurant and collect- “Well, if you put it that way…” She ed his travel bag from reception. As

31 he made his way back to his room, away, and he could see that Evelyn he tried again to picture the face of was feeling more like a wallflower the man he’d seen. But the stranger as the evening went on. By the time had been in shadow, and when the Doctor had managed to prise questioned, none of the staff could himself away from yet another remember him. group of stuffed shirts, Evelyn was When unexpected factors like this nowhere to be seen. entered Mr Smith’s ordered world, he didn’t like it. If it was something *** he could identify, then it could be dealt with. But it felt as if this “Well, that didn’t go too badly, did stranger had the advantage, forcing it?” The reception had at last begun Mr Smith onto the defensive. If only to wind down, with the Doctor and he knew what he was defending Iris making their excuses before himself against. leaving. Now, Iris was pouring the He shook his head, in an attempt to Doctor a welcome nightcap. “Here, put this to the back of his mind – for get that down you.” now. Back in his room, Mr Smith “Hmm? Oh, thank you.” The Doctor placed the bag on the bed, and took the glass, but didn’t drink from opened it. He stared in shock and it. He was still in a sombre mood. surprise at the contents. Where the When Evelyn had left without a dossiers should have been, there word, the Doctor realised how was instead a selection of paste thoughtless he had been in not in- jewellery and other assorted para- cluding her in the numerous conver- phernalia. sations that had peppered the This was not good. Without those evening. dossiers, Mr Smith was a dead man. Somehow he had to retrieve Iris caught the faraway look. them. But how? “What’s up, Doc?” The Doctor turned to her. “I let Eve- *** lyn down.” Iris felt slightly guilty about exclud- The rest of the reception proceeded ing Evelyn from the other guests, without any further hiccups. The while putting the Doctor in the best Doctor, Iris and Evelyn ingratiated light possible. She tried to gloss themselves with various dignitaries over it. “Come on, Doctor,” she and personalities, telling stories of sighed. “Your Evelyn’s a grown their recent travels. But as the woman. She can look after her- evening progressed, it was the Doc- self.” tor and Iris – or Evie, as she contin- The Doctor looked from Iris to the ued to introduce herself, who were window. “That’s as maybe, but getting the most attention. The she’s a good friend. And I don’t like Doctor kept trying to include Evelyn to see her hurt, whatever the rea- in the conversation, noticing that sons.” Then he looked at Iris, and she was feeling more and more left realised. “You engineered this, Iris out; but Iris kept dragging him Wildthyme.”

32 “I don’t know what you mean,” she was still fully clothed. His jacket said innocently. was draped over a chair. On the “You deliberately excluded Evelyn same chair Iris’ shawl had been from most of the people we met left, and he knew that he was not tonight.” alone – Iris would never go any- Iris sat down and tried to explain. where without that shawl. “Look, tonight was all about you, Doctor. I know Evelyn’s your best “Are y’decent?” She trilled, from the mate and all, but as far as old bathroom. Graywell was concerned, she was- The Doctor cleared his throat be- n’t the main draw. You were.” She fore answering. “Um, Iris? I have to pressed on. “Didn’t we make a suc- go. Things to do, you understand?” cess of tonight?” He stood up, reaching for his jack- The Doctor shrugged. “I suppose et. so.” He half-smiled, sitting down “Oh, there’s no need to rush off.” next to her on the sofa. “It was a bit Iris strolled out from the bathroom – like old times, wasn’t it?” fully clothed, of course. “You’ll be “Ay, you’re goin’ back a bit there, wanting some breakfast before you Doctor,” Iris warned. “Not that we dash off to old Graywell.” didn’t have some good times.” This caught the Doctor mid-step. Outside, snow was falling. “Look at “Graywell? What do you mean, that,” the Doctor laughed. “Snow. Iris?” And it’s not even the right time of “Well, this invite.” She picked up an year.” Just for a moment, the Doc- envelope from the table. “It came tor felt he ought to be somewhere this morning, addressed to me. So I else. Not here. Not in Iris’ room. reckon you got the same thing sent But somewhere, music was play- to you.” ing. The Doctor snatched the envelope “Look, Iris. This is very nice, but…” from her and opened the flap. The invitation card was unmistakable. *** “Professor Graywell kindly requests the pleasure of your company at It was morning when the Doctor the Furnham Institute…” he woke. The last embers of the fire scanned the rest. “Iris, you did it! I had burned out, and he was lying don’t know how, but you swung it hunched up on the sofa, a blanket for me.” draped over him. He felt rather Iris smiled. “Well, that’s not some- comfortable, and was about to thing I hear said to me every day.” snuggle back down, when he re- The Doctor looked again at the invi- membered the events of the previ- tation, and then at the wall clock. ous evening, and sat bolt upright, His expression changed from joy to his face white with shock. Had dismay. “Iris, this invite is for 12.00 he…? noon. It’s almost 11.30am now.” Glancing down, the Doctor was re- “Ooh ‘eck,” Iris realised. “I thought I lieved to see that, apart from his were doing you a favour, letting you bow tie having been loosened, he sleep in after last night.”

33 The Doctor was in no mood for idle I suppose this is the bit where I banter. “We have just under half an hand over the invitation and say ‘Off hour to get to the institute. I’ll need you go, then. Have a good time.’” my travelling bag.” The Doctor said nothing, as Evelyn “Right, luvvy,” Iris decided. “You get turned the envelope over in her yer bag, and I’ll run and sort some hands. “You really think I’m that transport.” shallow?” “Er, no.” The Doctor paused. “Iris, “No, Evelyn. Never shallow,” the could you get my bag as well? I’ve Doctor replied. “Kind and under- got to make some apologies first.” standing, but never shallow.” Iris rolled her eyes in despair. “Off At this, she sighed, and handed you go, then. I’ll see you outside in over the invite. “Well, I suppose Iris ten minutes.” did do you a favour, getting you in- vited in the first place.” She shooed him away good-naturedly. “Go on, 3. MIND GAMES before I change my mind.” The Doctor stepped forward and “Oh, the wanderer returns.” Evelyn kissed Evelyn’s hand in thanks. “I stood in the doorway of her room, promise, I will explain all of this – it leaving the Doctor feeling rather just may take more time than usu- exposed in the corridor. al.” “Evelyn, I’m sorry,” he said. “I She watched him go and laughed. shouldn’t have left you on your own “More time than usual? Ha, that’ll like that.” be a first.” “Except that you did, Doctor.” Eve- lyn was not going to let him off the *** hook so easily. “For almost the whole evening that Iris woman mo- At about the same time as the Doc- nopolised you to the exclusion of tor was making his apologies to everyone else. What is it about her? Evelyn, Mr Smith was in the hotel Just how well do you know her?” lobby, puzzling over recent “It’s a long story,” said the Doctor. events. It was clear that his travel- “But to cut to , I think I ling bag had been switched for an may have got an invite to the identical one, but had no idea Furnham Institute for 12.00 noon whose bag he now held. Weighing today.” up the possible options, Smith had “Oh.” Evelyn held up an envelope in decided that the only course of ac- front of the Doctor’s face. “That tion was to find a seat in the hotel wouldn’t be this invite, by any lobby from where he could observe chance?” the reception desk. “It most probably is,” the Doctor re- If the tag on his luggage had been plied, nodding. “I know I have no switched, then it seemed reasona- right to ask, especially after the way ble to assume that the same had I treated you last night, but…” He been done to other identical bags. left the question hanging in the air. How many, he could not be certain. Evelyn seemed unimpressed. “And But the luggage tag held Mr Smith’s

34 details – those he had elected to “I represent a third party who has impart, indicating that the tags an interest in your current activities. could only have been exchanged at He wants to, shall we say, cut a the safe behind the reception desk. deal.” So, Mr Smith maintained his vigil, Mr Smith allowed himself a rare waiting for someone to claim their smile. “Assuming I know what bag. you’re talking about, I don’t make That was when a crazy-looking deals – especially not with spotty woman, arms flailing wildly, had run amateurs like you. Besides, I have up to the reception desk. a work ethic which I always abide by.” Once she had left, Smith ascer- “Which is?” tained from the desk clerk who the “I always keep my own counsel,” woman was; then took the lift back Smith replied. “The fewer people up to his room to retrieve the bag involved, the better.” that he had been given in error – The man smiled. “Fair enough. But only to find someone waiting for if you should change your mind…” him outside the door. “Mr Smith?” He handed Smith a business card, “I’m sorry,” he replied, “I’m in a hur- before making his exit. ry, so…” As Smith went to open Once the door was closed, Smith the door a hand fell upon his wrist. read the wording on the card. ‘We The grip was firm and not easily can offer better deals – whatever breakable without attracting undue your business. Contact Mr Jones.’ attention. Smith looked at the man properly *** for the first time. He was younger than Smith, with dark, spiky hair, Mr Jones walked down the corridor but dressed in the same type of suit to the elevator, as a voice spoke that he, Smith favoured. “Do I know into his mind. “You did well, but as I you?” expected, Mr Smith is a stubborn “We have a common interest,” the man.”Mr Jones nodded, as he re- man told him. “It might be to your ceived further instructions. advantage at least to hear me out.” Smith briefly considered aiming a *** right hook to the man’s chin, but thought better of it. He now recog- Evelyn had decided to take after- nised him as the shadowy figure at noon tea in the summerhouse, the restaurant from the evening be- which was clearly a recent addition fore. Perhaps a few moments to the hotel. She was glad that wouldn’t hurt. And he already knew some things, such as tea being the crazy woman’s destination. served in a china pot, were still in “Alright; you have two minutes.” existence even in 2260. So, let the The man smiled, allowing Smith to Doctor have his fun, she had decid- enter his room, and followed him ed. It made a nice change to be in. waited on, instead of battling power -mad conspirators and the like.

35 There was even chocolate cake on when he opened it – and abruptly the menu. closed it again. “Iris, this is the wrong bag.” Evelyn smiled at the young man “What?” She pulled open the bag who had just arrived, and had sat at herself, and stared. “But that’s the a nearby table. He returned the one I was given. What the ‘eck are smile. She couldn’t recall having these?” She pulled out one of the seen him in the hotel before now, folders inside, the Doctor shielding but he seemed harmless enough. the bag’s contents from general He’d be quite a catch for some view. “This is one of them Govern- young girl, Evelyn thought, as she ment dossier things, isn’t it?” took in his smart suit, and dark, “Yes, and more besides.” The Doc- spiky hair. tor quickly thumbed through similar folders, his eyes alighting on one in *** particular. “Well, well, well. Look at the name on this one, Iris.” The air car ride to the Institute was She did so, and caught her breath. thankfully short. The Doctor “But that’s…” stepped out, travelling bag in hand, “Exactly.” The Doctor’s face was while Iris paid the fare. The Institute grim. “Iris, I rather think we’ve been was certainly an impressive build- taken for a ride.” ing, but there was no time to look at the architecture, as the two friends “All right, nobody move!” A worried hurried in. Professor Graywell was hush fell over the room as every- waiting for them. “Doctor, Evie. I one looked up. From the upper bal- thought you were never coming.” cony, Mr Smith was pointing a gun “Traffic,” the Doctor explained. This at Iris and the Doctor. He was also always seemed to work as an ex- holding a similar looking travel cuse for lateness, and this was no bag. exception. Graywell ushered them The Doctor moved across to Gray- through. well, who looked as though he’d seen a ghost. “Friend of yours?” he The main hall, when they reached asked quietly. it, was already filled with other “Not exactly,” the professor replied. guests. Most were from the previ- “You could say our paths have ous evenings’ reception, but others crossed.” were unknown; probably friends or “I thought that might have been the associates of the good professor. case.” “I’m afraid I have to ask you to Mr Smith impatiently waved his gun begin your presentation in a few at the Doctor. “Hand the bag over.” minutes,” he informed them. “My The Doctor shook his head. “I’m timetable is so full that I have to set not sure I can do that.” everything to the exact second.” “Don’t be smart with me,” Mr Smith “I quite understand.” The Doctor demanded. moved to a nearby table and un- “I’m not, I promise you,” the Doctor zipped the bag. Iris was beside him said. “But if we’re down here, and

36 you’re up there, how do I pass the bag to you?” “He must be under some sort of Mr Smith was about to reply, when mind control,” the Doctor whis- he realised what the Doctor meant. pered. “That would explain why you There was no physical way that the never heard from him again.” He bag could be passed up to him. turned back to the young man. “It’s “Hmm, you do have a point. So, Andy, isn’t it?” what do you suggest?” There was a brief flicker of recogni- “Well, if I’m not mistaken,” the Doc- tion, but nothing more. “My name is tor replied, “you seem to have a Jones, and I think you have some- similar bag. Suppose we do a sim- thing of interest to me in that travel ple trade? Then no one gets hurt, bag, Doctor.” and we can both go on our way.” “No, I don’t think so,” the Doctor Smith nodded. “That makes sense. told him. “But how did you know my Okay, you come up here with that name? I’m sure we’ve never met bag. Then it’s just the two of us.” before.” “Agreed.” The Doctor turned to the “And what makes you so sure you crowded room. “I think we all want want the Doctor’s bag, Andy luv?” to get out of this alive, so let’s just Iris asked. “Why not his?” She indi- do as the gentleman says.” cated Smith. Nobody disagreed. Jones saw the bag Smith held – “All right,” he called. “I’m coming then looked back to the Doctor, up.” confused. “What’s going on?” “You tell me – Andy.” “Nobody move!” A group of people moved away from the main door, *** as Mr Jones stepped forward, a travel bag in one hand, and a gun The Doctor’s smile was innocent in the other. “Well, isn’t this nice enough, but the young man could and cosy?” feel the eyes bore into him. Try as “Oh, no.” Iris stared at the young he might, he could not look away. man. “It can’t be.” What was going on? And who was “You again!” Smith called from the he? He was Mr Jones. No, he was balcony. “Don’t you ever give up?” Andy. No, he… “I… Iris?” Mr Jones looked up in surprise, “Yes luvvy, it’s me,” he heard her then back to the Doctor. “What’s answer as if from a distance. “You going on here?” were going to meet me, remem- “You tell me,” he replied. “I haven’t ber?” the faintest idea.” Yes, yes he did remember. But why Iris tugged urgently at the Doctor’s was everything so strange in his sleeve. “Doctor, that’s Andy.” mind? He couldn’t think straight. “Andy?” Then he remembered. Then he heard the Doctor’s voice. “Your Andy?” “Let your mind relax, Andy. Let it be She nodded. “I couldn’t mistake freed from the constraints placed that spiky hair. But this… this isn’t around it. Be yourself.” Yes, the like him at all.” Doctor was right.

37 “No!” Another voice invaded his ment agent. I was assigned to track brain. “I have not finished with you down several people, all with a con- yet. You have one more task to nection to the Furnham Institute. I perform.” didn’t know that Graywell was the “One more task,” Andy mumbled. man I was after, though.” “No, I can’t.” “That’s the trouble with Government “You must!” agencies,” the Doctor sighed. “No “I…” Andy’s mind was in turmoil. one ever gets the complete picture. He so wanted to be free. But he Probably simpler that way.” had to complete this one final task. “He is lying,” Graywell protested. “I “I… must obey.” do not know that man.” “No, Andy.” The Doctor’s voice “But you admitted to recognising again. “This isn’t you. Find the real him earlier,” the Doctor pointed out. you.” “You said your paths had crossed The Doctor saw Andy spin round, before.” his eyes wild, the gun raised. Graywell said nothing, trapped in “Leave me alone! Get out of my his own words. mind!” His finger pulled on the trig- “Tell me, Mr Smith, how did you ger. know Professor Graywell previous- “Andy, no!” ly?” The gun fired… “While I was investigating a case of alleged money laundering,” Smith replied. “When he was a practising 4. REVELATIONS medical doctor, Graywell was ac- cused of skimming profits from his The guests shrank back, as Andy practice into his own pocket. That’s collapsed to the floor in a dead how he made his fortune.” faint. With the immediate danger “But he was never convicted?” passed, Iris quickly rushed to the Smith shrugged. “Not enough evi- boy’s aid. Beside them, Professor dence. It was all circumstantial, so Graywell lay on the floor, the bullet the case was dropped.” from Andy’s gun having imbedded “So, what has brought you here to- itself in his shoulder. The Doctor day?” the Doctor asked. “You said examined him briefly. “You’ll live, you weren’t sure it was Graywell Professor,” he concluded, you were after.” “assuming you have no other skel- “That’s the odd thing about this,” Mr etons in your cupboard.” Smith replied. “I was told I had one “I’m not sure I understand, Doctor,” more person to locate, but not who the professor gasped. it was; just that I would supposedly “Oh, I think you do.” The Doctor’s find out today. To be honest, I only tone was dismissive. He looked up came here to retrieve some im- at the man still on the Upper Balco- portant documents.” He nodded to ny. “I assume you and the profes- the travel bag the Doctor had sor have met before?” opened. “Something like that,” he replied. The Doctor nodded, understanding. “My name’s Smith. I’m a Govern- He turned to Iris. “You said that

38 Andy knew something bad was at the fallen Andy. “The boy proved about to happen, but didn’t know to be a useful asset, once he was what; while our Mr Smith was sent under my control." on something of a wild goose The Doctor nodded. "Using him to chase, with no idea of whom he get to the Professor?" was after.” "Under my mental guidance, he “It’s an odd one, that’s for sure.” Iris would have persuaded the Profes- was tending to Andy as best as she sor to part with the information I could, but she had followed the needed." The smiled evily. whole conversation. “But there "With the right tutoring, he could be must be some sort of connection.” very persuasive. A pity you man- The Doctor paced the floor, frus- aged to break through his condi- trated. “It’s as if we’ve all been tioning, Doctor.” brought here for someone else’s "It was either that, or let his mind be benefit.” broken." The Doctor looked down “Well done, Doctor. So, you finally at Andy. "At least he's free from worked it out at last.” your influence." Everyone turned, the Doctor recog- Iris glared up at , steel in nising that voice. “Oh no. Not you!” her eyes. “You did this to my poor “I’m afraid so.” Standing inside the Andy? You must be sick.” hall was a bearded man dressed in “Watch your tongue, or you’ll get black. In one hand was a weapon the same,” the Master warned, at the Doctor recognised all too well. the same time grabbing Evelyn And the Tissue Compression Elimi- around the neck with his arm and nator was trained on Evelyn, who forcing her to drop the travel bag. held the remaining travel bag. “Besides, I’m sure the Doctor has “Well, this is quite a gathering,” the no wish to see any harm come to Master gloated. this fair lady.” “Thanks for the compliment,” Eve- “And just what are you doing lyn muttered. here?” The Doctor realised the an- Iris would not be placated. “Why did swer before he had finished asking you ‘ave to mess with this lad’s the question. “You arranged this. head? He’d done nothing to you.” The whole thing.” “True, but he began to piece to- The Master nodded. “From the re- gether certain things,” the Master ception through to today’s events. It explained. “He made the connec- was all very simple.” tion with the reception and this In- The Doctor let the Master continue. stitute. I could have eliminated him, He had no wish to endanger Eve- but instead I gave him a new identi- lyn’s life, and there might be some- ty.” thing worth learning from the Mas- “Returning as the mysterious Mr ter’s ravings. “You see, for the past Jones,” the Doctor guessed. few weeks I’ve been the Manager “Quite so, Doctor.” The other of the Galactic Hotel. I regret the guests began milling around in mild former manager met with an unfor- panic, distracting the Master. “Stay tunate accident.” He looked down where you are, all of you. Or you

39 will suffer.” They all froze. the common cold, I shall take my rightful place as their ruler and ben- The Doctor raised his hands in an efactor.” effort to calm the situation. “All right, “He can’t be serious,” Evelyn pro- Master. You’ve succeeded in bring- tested. ing us all here. But, for what? I can’t “I’m afraid he is,” the Doctor told imagine what help Professor Gray- her. “Think about it. The majority of well could be to you, in your usual planets in the universe have never plans for universal domination.” experienced the common cold, and “I can guess.” Graywell had pulled so would have little or no re- himself to his feet. “He’s after the sistance. Imagine what would hap- virus.” pen if the Scarg Virus were re- “What virus?” Then the Doctor real- leased. Powerful empires would ised. “Of course. The Scarg Virus.” become weak and lethargic, unable The Master smiled. “For every cure, to defend themselves against pos- there is a virus. And once I have its sible invasion. The Master’s ulti- formula in my possession, I shall mate goal is still the same. He’s just add numerous manufacturing scaled down the means necessary agents that will enable the Scarg to achieve it.” Virus to spread across the known The Doctor looked around at his cosmos.” fellow guests – all unsure of what "The formula is kept here at the In- was happening, but clearly terrified stitute," Graywell explained. "And by the dramatic turn of events. some of the guests here are my “There are innocent people here,” fellow scientists. Between them, he reminded the Master. “They they discovered the cure for the have no part in your schemes. Let Scarg Virus. I only provided the them go.” means for the research." “I could do that,” the Master agreed. “And today was intended as a cele- “But I so rarely have the chance to bration for all that hard work.” The play to an audience, Doctor. And it Doctor shook his head. That was is only right that they should be the par for the course with philanthro- first to see the culmination of my pists like Graywell - happy to take plans.” the credit for other peoples’ work. *** He turned back to the Master. “And how the mighty are fallen. Not so She was kneeling down beside long ago, you were dealing in Thun- Andy; stroking his head; willing him derbolt missiles, and the Pharos to wake up, to give her some sign Project. Now, you’ve lowered your of recognition; but at the same time, ambitions to scrabbling around with Iris Wildthyme glared at the Master a virus.” with barely disguised hatred. She “But it will be a most effective virus,” had heard stories of his exploits, the Master explained. “Once the but to have seen the results of his peoples of the Universe have been handiwork filled her with an all- incapacitated by a lethal variant of consuming desire for revenge. This

40 had now become personal, and the Evelyn felt the abrupt pull of the gloves were off. Iris was determined Master’s arm against her throat. that when the chance came, how- “Keep still, Miss Smythe.” ever slight; she would make the “Oh, I’ve had enough of this,” she Master pay. bellowed, and stamped her foot down hard onto his. There was a *** gasp of pain, and immediately the Master’s grip slackened. Evelyn From the Upper Balcony, Mr Smith flung herself forward, out of his listened to this exchange of words reach. “Now!” with morbid interest. Since the arri- In one fluid movement, Mr Smith val of this Master person, Smith be- tossed the travelling bag down from gan to appreciate that he was a the balcony onto the Master. small part of something much big- Thrown to the floor by the weight of ger. If only he could turn that to his the bag, any attempt by the Master advantage. Then he saw her - the to regain his footing was quickly woman the Master was holding as a foiled by Iris, who threw herself on hostage was trying to attract his top of him with a vengeful scream, attention. scratching and clawing at his face.

*** Under normal circumstances, the Master would have been the strong- Evelyn knew better than to struggle er opponent. But Iris’ fury at him against the Master’s vice-like grip. had given her the greater strength The young man she knew as Mr and advantage. Each time he made Jones had brought her to him. She to push her aside, she threw herself had never before met the Master, back at him with renewed vigour. and so had thought nothing of it; not To the Master, it must have been until the moment when he had like fighting a wild banshee. “Let go threatened her life. And now she of me, you stupid harridan,” he was here at the Furnham Institute, shouted. with the Doctor helpless to inter- “Not flamin’ likely,” Iris screamed. vene. “Not until I’ve ‘ad a piece of you She had seen the man perched on first.” the Upper Balcony when they had arrived. And she saw him now, al- The Doctor was helping Evelyn to most as helpless as the Doctor with her feet. “Shouldn’t we think about the travelling bag next to him. Eve- pulling them apart?” she asked. lyn stared up at him, desperate to catch his eye without drawing atten- “We could think about it, but I don’t tion to herself. When she saw him think it would be advisable to try,” nod, she looked from him to the bag the Doctor replied. “The mood Iris is and back again. Twice more she in, I wouldn’t give much for the did this before she could see that Master’s chances.” he had understood. The two of them were still struggling

41 on the floor. Iris’ scratches had made sure to take possession of turned into full-blown punches, the Master’s travel bag. “His TAR- each one winding the Master at DIS,” he explained to the presiding every turn. Gradually though, he officer. began to gain the upper hand, pull- ing himself out of her reach. Her There were only a handful of people next two punches went wild, and he left in the Institute by the time a se- easily caught her wrists in his pow- curity skimmer arrived to collect the erful hands. Now the Master had Master, who was escorted away in sufficient leverage to push Iris away the company of two law enforce- until she was facing his lower body. ment officers. Still doubled up in “Give it up, you old hag,” he said obvious pain, it was unlikely that he mockingly. “You are powerless would be able to cause any trouble. against me.” As the sliding door closed on his “Don’t be too sure, pal,” said Iris, mortal enemy, the Doctor could her eyes lighting up. “I said I’d have have sworn that the Master was a piece of you, and I always keep speaking at least four octaves high- my promises.” She looked down. er than usual. Directly in front of her face was a clear target. Evelyn and Iris stood either side of The Master, realising her intention, the Doctor, as the skimmer sped off struggled violently, but to no effect. to the nearest maximum security Manipulating her arms, Iris had prison. “So, that was the Master,” managed to entwine her own hands Evelyn said. “He hardly seems around the Master’s wrists, holding worth worrying about.” them in an iron grip. He glared at “Aye,” Iris agreed. “And over such a her, helpless in her grasp, but still little thing.” defiant. “You wouldn’t dare!” Iris was now back to her old self, “Oh, wouldn’t I, chuck?” It was as if cheered by the welcome news that the Master’s last words of bravado Andy would soon recover from his were an open invitation. Iris opened ordeal. She resolved to look after her mouth wide, her teeth bared. him once he was discharged from Evelyn winced at what happened hospital – it was the least she could next, as the Doctor mentally do, she decided, after the lad had crossed his legs. got into so much trouble.

*** Mr Smith had joined them. “So, this reception, and that business with When the local police arrived, the the travel bags, was all a huge Doctor was quick to advise them of smokescreen for the Master to get just how dangerous the Master his hands on the Scarg Virus.” was. There was also the long “Succinctly put, Mr Smith,” the Doc- drawn out process of taking state- tor observed. “The Master wanted ments from the rest of Graywell’s the virus for his own ends, but it guests before they were free to seems he had no clear opportunity leave. Above all else, the Doctor to pin down Professor Graywell

42 over its properties. So, he dis- lieve you. It’s the only explanation guised himself as the manager of that makes sense. But there’s still the Galactica Hotel, and used that the problem of Professor Graywell.” position to arrange last night’s re- The professor was still receiving ception.” medical attention from a member of Evelyn was still puzzled. “I can the ambulance crew. see how he would have used The Doctor seemed genuinely puz- some hypnotic suggestion to con- zled. “Problem? I don’t see any vince Graywell that the reception problem.” was his idea, but I still don’t un- “Doctor, he’s a known criminal.” derstand about the travel bags.” “Technically, yes.” The Doctor took “That was the really clever part,” Mr Smith to one side. “Look, per- the Doctor explained. “The Master haps we can find some common needed to get us all in one place, ground here…” so by switching the tags he en- sured that each would follow the Evelyn and Iris found themselves other to retrieve their own travel alone together. With the earlier fric- bags, as you did yourself, Mr tion between them still fresh in their Smith.” minds, neither was willing to be the “But how come they were all the first to break the ice. Not that Iris same design and colour?” Iris could stay silent for very long. pressed. “Erm… you all right, luvvy? No “Who says they were?” The Doc- bones broken?” tor smiled. “Iris, what colour is “Oh, I’m tougher than I look,” Eve- your travel bag?” lyn replied. “But thanks for asking.” She stared at him. “Blue, of “My pleasure.” course.” She looked at the bag Mr “I must say,” Evelyn said after a Smith had picked up. “That’s it moment, “I thought you were very there.” brave, tackling the Master the way you did.” “And yet,” the Doctor told them, Iris shrugged. “He deserved it, after “Andy came in with a brown one.” what he did to poor Andy.” “Hold on,” Mr Smith piped up. “My “That poor boy.” Evelyn’s thoughts travel bag is green.” went out to the young man. “But I’m “While mine is red, just like the sure he’ll be back on his feet before Master’s. Except that your eyes you know it.” perceived the colour as that of “Aye, I suppose so.” Iris managed a your own travel bag.” The Doctor smile of appreciation. “You’re not looked at their baffled faces. so bad yerself, in a crisis.” “Don’t you see? It was another Evelyn smiled back. “You just have hypnotic suggestion by the Mas- to do the right thing at the right mo- ter. Whatever one of them was in ment.” She hesitated before asking your possession at any time, you the question that had been at the still saw the same colour as your back of her mind. “I heard from the own travel bag.” hotel staff that the Doctor’s bed “Okay,” Mr Smith agreed. “I’ll be- hadn’t been slept in last night.”

43 Iris eyed Evelyn suspiciously. “That’s as maybe, Doctor,” Mr “Meaning?” Smith agreed, “but…” “Well,” Evelyn suggested, “from “And since those times,” the Doctor what I gather, you and he go back went on, “it could be argued that he a long way, so…” has more than made up for his pre- Iris sighed. “Nothing happened, vious misdemeanours by putting a Evelyn.” substantial amount of money into “Oh.” Evelyn was both surprised finding a cure for the Scarg Virus. and relieved. “But I thought he’d…” In fact,” he added, “it could be said “Oh, he stayed the night,” Iris con- that because of his generosity, Pro- firmed. “And spent the whole of that fessor Graywell has made a valued night on the sofa. The Doctor’s nev- contribution to the well-being of this er been a great one for alcohol, and community.” one glass of wine was enough to “So, what do you suggest?” Mr send ‘im off into .” There Smith protested. “That we let him was a regretful sigh. “Story of my go?” life.” “Well, as far as I can see,” the Doc- “I see.” Evelyn gave Iris a sidelong tor pointed out, “he isn’t actually glance. “Does he know that… noth- wanted for any crime. Remember, it ing happened?” was the Master’s machinations that “Well, I never told him outright, brought you here in the first place. luvvy. I’ve got a reputation to main- You and Graywell were pawns in a tain, after all.” game, just like the rest of us.” Evelyn smiled. “Well, in that case, Try as he might, Mr Smith could Iris, I won’t breathe a word.” She find no fault in the Doctor’s argu- met Iris’ stare. “It’ll make a change ment, nor raise any further objec- for us to know something that the tions. “You know, Doctor, you ought Doctor doesn’t.” to try your luck in politics, if your Iris gaped at her in shock and sur- current line of work ever dries up.” prise. “Evelyn Smythe! You conniv- The Doctor quickly dismissed the ing little… y’know, this could be the idea. “I tried that once. Didn’t like beginning of a beautiful friendship.” it.”

*** EPILOGUE The Doctor didn’t like the way that Evelyn and Iris were staring at him. Two days later, and the Doctor and And the fact that they both ap- Evelyn were ready to check out of peared to be getting on like a the Galactica Hotel. After all the house on fire. With an effort, he excitement, the Doctor was deter- turned back to the task in hand. “Mr mined that they should extend their Smith, I don’t deny that Professor stay, and take full advantage of the Graywell may have been the cause facilities on offer. Iris had been pre- of some troubles in the past, but occupied over Andy’s state of he’s hardly a major threat to the health, and had spent most days national crime figures.” and nights at the hospital, until she

44 was sure he would be all right. serious undertaking, and…” “Oh, stop fussing, Doctor,” Evelyn “She may be a bit wayward,” said hushed him. “Iris is more than capa- the Doctor, “but underneath it all, ble of looking after things. Honestly, Iris is a decent person.” you ought to learn to be more trust- “Oh, I don’t deny it,” Evelyn agreed. ing.” “In fact, we’ve been getting on ra- “Trusting??” he spluttered. “Well, of ther well just lately.” all the…” The Doctor was becoming “Yes, I noticed.” Evelyn could feel increasingly flustered. the Doctor’s eyes upon her. “I don’t The two women stared at him. “Do suppose she said anything, did you know, I’ve never seen the Doc- she?” tor go that red before, Iris.” “About what?” “Maybe he’s embarrassed about “Well, you know.” The Doctor could- something.” Iris turned to Evelyn n’t seem to find the right words. and gave her a farewell hug. “Look “Anything I should, um, know after yourself, Evelyn,” she said. about?” “And make sure the Doctor doesn’t Evelyn gave him a suspicious look. get into any more trouble.” “Guilty conscience, Doctor?” They She gave the Doctor a knowing were at the front desk before the wink, at which he visibly paled. Doctor could form a suitable ri- “And don’t worry about the Galacti- poste. “Could we have our bill ca, Doctor. I’ll not let you down.” please, Maurice?” “Good luck, Iris.” Evelyn waited. Maurice smiled at them both. “The “Come on, Doctor. Wish her well.” bill has already been settled – by The Doctor knew when he was be- Ms Wildthyme.” ing steered into a corner, and The Doctor and Evelyn shared a backed down. “Of course I wish you glance. “But, how…?” well, Iris – just don’t make any dras- “Oh, you didn’t think I could let you tic changes. I’ve become rather at- pay, after all that’s happened?” tached to this place.” They turned to see Iris approach- “I s’pose that’s the nearest I’ll get to ing, a beaming smile on her face, undying praise from you, Doctor.” arms ready to embrace the two She ushered them out into the cool friends. “Didn’t Maurice tell you?” morning air, where a skimmer was “Tell us what?” the Doctor warily waiting for them. “Now, get off, both asked. “Iris, what are you up to of you. I’ve got a hotel to run.” now?” “Well, with the post of manager be- *** ing left vacant,” Iris began, “I thought I’d try me hand at running Inside the skimmer, Evelyn had a this place - until they get someone puzzled look about her, which the in on a permanent basis, of Doctor recognised. “All right, Eve- course.” lyn. What’s the matter?” There was a look of horror on the “I’m just a bit curious,” she replied. Doctor’s face. “Iris, tell me you’re “It’s about those travel bags.” joking. Running a hotel like this is a “Oh?”

45 “Well, the Master’s bag was his TARDIS, Iris’ contained her jewel- lery, Mr Smith got his Government papers back, and Andy’s bag…” “Was a decoy, with nothing in it,” the Doctor finished for her. “So This volume, the latest in Big Fin- what’s the problem?” ish’s ongoing series about the Time Evelyn looked at him directly. “Well, War features three further stories. I still don’t know what was in your travel bag. I don’t suppose you’d care to enlighten me, Doctor?” The Doctor was about to reply, until his attention was drawn elsewhere. “Well, I never noticed that before.” “Noticed what?” “How well these skimmers are con- structed,” he answered. “A simple design, but very effective.” Evelyn knew what he was up to. “Doctor, you’re changing the sub- ject.” He stared back at her, his face a picture of innocence. “Am I?” And “State of Bliss” by Matt Fitton, is a with that, the Doctor sat back with a great showcase for Rakhee contented grin on his face. Thakrar as Bliss. The story estab- lishes the themes that will carry *** throughout the whole box set. It al- so gives Thakrar and The Sarah Iris gave the Doctor and Evelyn a Jane Adventures alumna Anjli Moh- final cheery wave as the skimmer indra some good scenes to per- moved off. Already she was toying form. Having said that, alt- with one or two ideas to improve hough Anjili Mohindra is one of my the Galactica Hotel. Nothing too favourite actors in the series, drastic, as the Doctor had said; just her turn here as Calla only goes to some minor tweaks here and show how well defined and charac- there. terised Rani was in The Sarah Jane Adventures. In comparison, Calla is She turned on her heel and not as memorable. marched back into the hotel. “Maurice,” she called. “Break out “The Famished Lands” by Lisa the champagne, luvvy. I’m McMullin, is an apocalyptic Harry- parched.” hausen homage that encapsulates everything the is, and everything that The Doctor strug- gles to remain. It is the most unusu- al glimpse we’ve had of the Time

46 War yet. It delves into worlds san calls in a favour. that are suffering because of the war, where starving people are The final story in this volume is “The massacred. Yet the tone is some- War ” by John Dorney. what jovial. It is not a good fit for me Jayston delivers a superb perfor- and I found this to be the weakest mance that perfectly meshes classic of the stories in the set. and modern Doctor Who. The Vale- yard has always aspired to be a ver- sion of the Doctor, but this takes on a wholly more resonant tone here as we are presented with a version of The Valeyard who truly believes that this is who he is.

‘The War Valeyard’ succeeds on every level. It is an excellent exam- ple of Big Finish story-telling and means that I can heartily recom- mend the box set with a solid 8/10.

To hear the trailer at Big Finish, “Fugitive in Time” by Roland Moore, click here brilliantly places Adèle Anderson front and centre as the latest incar- To buy the CD box set or the down- nation of Tamasan (previously load from Big Finish, click here played by Nikki Amuka-Bird). An- derson’s brief for the part is clearly To buy the CD box set from Ama- to fill the void left by the late zon UK click here Jacqueline Pearce who played the Time Lord Ollistra in previous vol- umes, which she does ably. The story also highlights the skills of Wendy Craig in a role viscerally embodying the pain of the Time War. The Time War saga has thus far brilliantly highlighted how far they have deviated from their non- interventionist policies and the sense of moral superiority that simply monitoring events afforded them. In ‘Fugitive in Time,’ Roland Moore shows the darkest extremes of Time Lord power, and the Doctor and Bliss must confront the be- lieved final remnant of that ultimate travesty of justice as Major Tama-

47 Peter Crocker and SVS have pro- vided the picture restoration and Mark Ayres the sound. Both have done a great job and these four- teen episodes have never looked better. However, the real treasures are the extended edits of the sto- This is the first of the blu-ray Collec- ries presented alongside the broad- tion sets that is for a season I actu- cast versions. The new edits are ally saw on first broadcast. As such, made with deleted scenes and al- I have been looking forward to it a ternative takes. Some are more great deal, and it has not disap- interesting than others, but overall pointed. their inclusion makes me wish that the BBC had given the show the extra few minutes that some epi- sodes needed. All the additional material improves the episodes overall.

The Terror of the Vervoids Special Edition is a thing of wonder. It is a new version of the story presented in stand-alone format, without the Trial segments. It is much better for it and also features a new version of the title sequence.

Of course, we all buy these box sets for the extras. My favourite feature from each of the releases so far has been ‘Behind the Sofa‘. In this set Colin Baker is joined by Nicola Bryant and Bonnie Langford. On the second sofa are Frazer Lee Binding has delivered another Hines, Matthew Waterhouse and tremendous cover with the further Mark Strickson. I particularly liked interior artwork being of scenes Mark’s perspective as he tends from the series. Furthermore, the to comment with more of a Direc- image on the spine of the set tor’s eye these days. matches the front cover exactly – the first time this has happened. I Another favourite on this box set for am not sure what’s prompted this me is ‘The Doctor’s Table’. Colin change, but I am quite happy with Baker, Nicola Bryant, Bonnie Lang- it. Peter Crocker and SVS handle ford and Michael Jayston, go out the picture restorations, with Mark for lunch (at The Ivy nonethe- Ayres on sound. less) and talk over the meal about

48 Another day, another anthology collection of Myth Makers inter- views. Time to set aside six hours for the latest in Reeltime’s ‘The Doctors’ series: The Colin Baker Years. Ah, the much-maligned Colin Baker years. I always felt sor- ry for Colin. He never really had a fair crack of the whip, and if his work with Big Finish is anything to go by, that was a wasted oppor- the season, with some questions tunity. A seemingly terrible costume from TARDIS cookies jars thrown in choice may not have helped – alt- as well. This was a great feature hough, if you think about it, it was that I hope they include on future essentially fitting for such a loud, volumes. brash, in-your-face Doctor – but really it was decisions made at the There are plenty of other new fea- top of the BBC that really made life tures on the set including a new difficult for the 6th. Colin’s ignomini- interview by Matthew Sweet with ous booting from the show is now Bonnie Langford and a very tounge the stuff of Who history - Whostory, -in-cheek revisiting of ‘The Doctor if you will - and this collection of Who Cook Book’ hosted by Toby interviews, thankfully, does not shy Hadoke. Also included are all the away from that aspect of Colin’s features from the previous DVD tenure. release. The collection begins with the man These blu-ray sets are proving very himself, in another of those quirkily popular and if you have not yet got filmed interviews that are a hall- a copy, it might be best to snap one mark of Reeltime’s one-to-ones, up sooner rather than later. with and Baker chatting to one another while a You can view the specially record- strange shadowy figure manipu- ed trailer for the box set here lates their presence in time and space - and Briggs’ wardrobe for To purchase from Amazon UK click some inexplicable reason. I could here tell you who voices this mysterious figure, but it’ll be much more fun for you to guess.

49 Quirkiness aside this is a good, in- to cover, the passing of Colin’s formative interview, as it should be child, his dealings with The Sun with the show’s lead . Baker tabloid, and his defence of Bonnie has a lot of love for the show - even Langford, but if I tell you every- given his shoddy treatment at the thing, what would be the point of hands of the Beeb - and it’s great to you watching the DVD? hear him talk about the choice of making the Doctor seem unpleas- So, on to the next interview and the ant and the viewers unsure of him redoubtable Nicola Bryant, aka and how, if he had been given more Perpugillium Brown. Even after all time, the plan was to explore this this time, and even though you abrasive aspect of the Time Lord’s know it’s coming, it’s still a surprise character. when instead of a nasally American accent you hear a rather posh Eng- All of this comes across as very im- lish voice plum pleasantly at you. portant to Baker, who talks about his intent to honour the tradition of Interviewed again by Briggs, and Who, not just as an actor but also a mixed in with another Myth Makers fan. And Baker is clearly a fan - interview with Bryant from 11 years we’ve all heard his story about be- prior, we follow the usual pattern ing glued, unmoving, to the stair- with a conversation about the ac- case as the very episode played out tor’s origins in the business before in 1963, but in this interview we al- moving on to Who more specifical- so hear him talk about using his ly. It’s fun to hear her talk about knowledge of the show to point out getting the acting bug at an early continuity errors to different writers age and trying to balance that de- and directors to keep the canon sol- sire with the requirements of id. school, especially the story about the deal Bryant makes with her Of course, it would be impossible to head teacher to keep going with talk to Colin Baker without bringing her extra-curricular thespianising. up his departure from the show, as I mentioned above, and it’s cool to But of course, it’s her time on Doc- hear Six approach the subject with tor Who that we’re all here for and honesty and maturity (which his ap- there’s plenty of great stuff availa- proach to the interview as a whole, ble on the DVD for the anecdote- to be honest). He talks about the hungry Whovian. Her stint on Time- sense of hurt and betrayal, obvious- lash (tied to a pole and left to ly, but even though the passing of scream) sounds like a hoot, and time has helped it’s still upsetting to there’s also her take on how the hear him say he can no longer character of Peri should have watch the show - although that will been, which is probably a com- have changed since the time of the plaint of many a female compan- interview and now. ion. If were up to Bryant, Peri would have been a lot feistier and There is a hell of a lot more ground much more of a fighter rather than

50 a sort of whiny, grumpy presence better under the auspices of Big on the TARDIS, especially with a Finish. grumpy Doctor also galumphing through the cloisters - although we One of the nicest things about this hear about how that relationship part of the DVD is that Langford is balance improves by the final sea- interviewed by fellow TARDIS trav- son, following the hiatus. eller () and the rapport between them really makes We also get another installment of this a really friendly experience, a the regular Reeltime segment Doc- sense only bolstered by Aldred tor Who Digest, with Bryant provid- bringing out two personalised t- ing a quick memory of every story shirts they can wear together at featuring Peri. These are always conventions, with Langford then enjoyable and something fans can suggesting they should wear each ask each other about over a bottle other’s instead for fun. Thus, the of wine. conversational flow is much more organic than in those earli- All the bases are covered in this er interviews which are sometimes - interview: we get to hear about sometimes, I stress - stilted by those controversial costume choic- Nicholas Brigg’s desire for gim- es, and Bryant’s take on ‘the death micky play. of Doctor Who’ is also very interest- ing. You can see how much she So, like I said, Langford is basically feels for Colin Baker and it’s easy to an anecdote machine about all her see why she still enjoys such a pos- time on Who, how it was to work itive reaction from fans. with different actors and directors and her recall for specifics is pretty And rightly so. impressive - it almost makes you wonder if she shares Mel’s eidetic Our next Baker Years star is the memory. Highlights of these anec- eternally bouncy Bonnie Langford, dotes include being allowed to wear aka Melanie Bush. This is clearly a heels, much to Janet Fielding’s an- much later interview than most you noyance (JNT wouldn’t hear of it see on these Reeltime anthologies, during her time, although it was re- which is nice because it’s good to ally just to make Langford a bit tall- know you can still talk to someone er); getting the giggles with Honor from the classic years today and Blackman on Vervoids; watching get lots of stories. And Langford Richard Briers get comedy notes, or does have a LOT of stories. She’s freezing in a swimming pool while basically an anecdote machine crew in nice warm wetsuits floated when it comes to her time on Who nearby on Paradise Towers; a fun and as an actual person a great little story about a fractious relation- many fans will find her a lot more ship between Sylvester McCoy and likeable than her character Mel a motorbike during Delta; being (which people often - unfairly - able to wear the exact same dress blame her for), who has fared much as the 6-yr-old in Dragonfire; plus a

51 whole bunch of stuff covering Time Baker’s final season-long arc, The and the Rani. Seriously, Langford Trial of A Time Lord, plus various delivers! appearances on Big Finish audio. Given the references made to Nu Especially interesting are Lang- Who this is obviously another of ford’s thoughts on the character of Reeltime’s more recent outings. Mel. She talks about the way char- acters such as hers are now treated Interviewed by Robert Dick (a by Big Finish, about having the very friendly interview) and inter- room to develop, as well as pointing spersed with clips from a conven- out that during her tenure on the tion panel featuring Jayston, Colin show, the highly intelligent comput- Baker and Nicola Bryant, this is an- er programmer and expert never other tried-and-tested ‘origins-to- touched anything tech! I actually Who’ Myth Makers conversation had to stop and think about that. It’s piece. amazing. There’s no way the show could get away with something like After we hear about Jayston’s ra- that these days. Thankfully. ther sporty early life (captain of this, captain of that) and forays into the- We also get some nice insight into atre, we get to the good bits. That’s how Colin Baker loved the show probably a bit mean. I think it’s fair and was sad it wasn’t getting sup- and good that all these actors and port it deserved, and also her final writers and directors get to talk scene with McCoy in the TARDIS. about their careers as a whole, it And she is very matter-of-fact about shows proper respect, but I can’t her departure from the show. Simp- help find it sometimes a bit boring. ly put, her contract was up and she Give or take the odd surprising an- hadn’t even considered staying on ecdote, they tend to all sound very for another season; she even had samey. It doesn’t stop you listening another job already lined up. You of course, but in a sense it’s not get the impression that Langford is really what you paid the admission very much the jobbing profession- fee for. al. That said, Jayston does have a That said, she’s obviously stoked pretty cool Who-related story that by her time on the show and being has nothing to do with his time on part of a cultural phenomenon, and the show but rather his time as an so enjoys her time on the conven- actor making his way up, and that is tion circuit too. I have to say, I really his friendship with some chap you enjoyed this interview. To sum it up, may have heard of called Tom Langford is a delight. Baker.

Next up we have Michael Jayston, As for his stint on Trial, so as to who played the sinister Valeyard, speak, Jayston tells us how he the personification of the Doctor’s thinks he had much better things to dark side made flesh, during Colin say than poor old Colin, as well as

52 mentioning how he and her sagaci- see Tom Baker rehearse. When ty Linda Bellingham discussed asked about his relationship with “something big going on” with the Tom, JNT is as diplomatic as ever. BBC in terms of their plans for Doc- Yes, his constant suggestion mak- tor Who. ing could be a pain, but, says JNT, this is because Tom cared so There’s a lot of enjoyable stuff in much. this interview, including a rather naughty ‘scoop’ about his time on As far as the other Baker is con- Press Gang as well as some intri- cerned, JNT describes being guing hints about Paul McGann and shocked and angry at Colin’s de- Holby City. But what really shines parture from the show, something through is Jayston’s love for being he still felt at the time of the inter- involved with Who. He loves the view. But this is how it goes, JNT conventions, which he describes as was staff and had no choice. Life as being like a great big family, and a producer was not always easy. tells us that, alongside cricket, Doc- He talks of the difficulty of the job in tor Who is one of the two things he terms of budgets, of making the has most enjoyed in life. mistake of letting composer Dudley Simpson go over lunch, and of al- Which sounds about right to me. ways expecting to leave the show but it never actually happening. The penultimate interview is with Who big-hitter, JNT himself. John Not that it was all negative; he has Nathan-Turner! Interviewed by fond recollections of working on Briggs, with the usual extraneous The Five Doctors, and his thoughts visually playful nonsense, the pair on casting for new Doctors, and the of them look like they’re off to a importance of contrast, are also in- convention of bag suits. teresting to hear.

JNT has been around on Who in For all of that, though, considering one capacity or another for a long his place in the history of Doctor time, so not only does he have a lot Who, I didn’t find this interview par- of interesting things to say about his ticularly enlightening. Perhaps inter- time as showrunner but he also has views with JNT are always like this, some nice memories to share about but you get the feeling he’s always his early days on serials featuring holding something back, keeping the second and third Doctors. the personal in check in service to the show. Of course, it’s his run as the pro- ducer during the 80s which is of key The final interview is with writer and interest here. Though he doesn’t script editor Eric Saward. Surpris- remember his first day behind the ingly the interview steers clear of desk, as it were, he does talk about the sometimes fraught nature be- the day he found out he was to be- tween Saward and JNT, except for come the producer and going to the odd reference here and there -

53 his pursed lips when recalling scription of the origins of Richard JNT’s reaction to the idea of Robert Mace from The Visitation. All I’ll say Holmes or penning on the subject is this, his meeting The Five Doctors speak volumes. with the was not the But maybe that’s just as well. Why character’s debut appearance. get bogged down in all of that when there are other things to talk about? All in all, this was another pleasant This interview is about Eric and his six hours of chit-chat, perhaps less work and all the better for it. He intimate than other collections, but comes across as a pretty self- still chock-full of details and ephem- deprecating guy and he’s also a era and intriguing insights from peo- very open and honest interviewee, ple we know so well, but not so well unafraid of giving his opinions, we can’t learn something new about which can be both funny and some- them. It earns it’s place on the times nudging on harsh. You see shelf. this particularly in the Doctor Who Digest segment, where he sums up his thoughts and feelings on all the Who serials he was involved with, sometimes in just one succinct word.

Obviously, it’s his role as script edi- tor for which he is most well known in Who circles. According to Eric, he liked being a script editor be- cause he liked meeting writers, alt- hough perhaps not so much re- working their scripts, which he manages to talk about with some tact, but of course that was a lot of the job.

There are some interesting obser- vations about the cancellation of Doctor Who and how during Trial nobody knew what was going on, as well as the transition from the To purchase this DVD from Ama- fifth Doctor to the sixth - plus a cou- zon UK click here ple of gems regarding Colin Baker’s knowledge of the English To purchase the DVD directly from language. Also, his take on main- Time Travel TV click here taining a connection to the Who world following his departure is hi- larious. But most interesting of all, for me anyway, is Saward’s de-

54 Baker resplendent in his new cos- tume for Season 18. Beneath the cover is an image of the from ‘The Leisure Hive’. In- side the TARDIS is a depiction of the scene from ‘Logopolis’. Those wonderful TARDIS interior menus The demand for classic Doctor Who continue with Gavin Rymill also rec- in high definition continues unabat- reating those scenes from Tom ed with Doctor Who: The Collection Baker’s swansong. Again, Peter – Season 18. Following the sell-out Crocker and SVS have restored the successes of Season 12 and Sea- pictures to deliver high def quality, son 19 comes the end of an era; whilst Mark Ayres has polished up the finale of the Fourth Doctor. With the sound. With such a flawless the dawning of a new decade, 1980 product it is little wonder these box- proved to be a time of great change sets are so sort after by fans and for Doctor Who both in front of and collectors. behind the camera. All of this is ex- plored in a packed boxset that The Stories chronicles one of the momentous seasons in the history of the show. Incoming Producer John Nathan- Turner and Script Editor Christo- pher H Bidmead were determined to move Doctor Who away from the silliness which had become ram- pant under their predecessors Gra- ham Williams and . Stories for Season 18 would also see a bigger emphasis on the sci- ence being added to the fiction. The difference from the final broadcast story of Season 17 ‘The Horns of Nimon’ to Season 18’s ‘The Leisure Hive’ is bold and drastic. Following a starry new title sequence and a re -imagined theme tune from Peter Howell came that tortuously long pan across Brighton beach. One step forward, two steps back? But after the blandness of the British seaside was born a colourful new Once again, the physical boxset is era. The vibrant planet of Argolis a delight to hold, if a little fiddly and Tom Baker's new costume when you’re trying to remove the symbolise Doctor Who jumping discs. Lee Binding continues with headfirst into the Eighties. the established layout for the cover artwork which showcases Tom

55 Before reaching the end, the TAR- of the ‘Logopolis’ sets for instance. DIS navigates the planet of Tigella Aside from that, this is the best and takes a detour through E- these episodes have ever looked space. ‘Meglos’ follows in the same and sounded, making for a thor- vein as ‘The Leisure Hive’ with col- oughly enjoyable watch. ourful characters a plenty. The trip into E-space takes us back to sim- Special Features pler Doctor Who storytelling. The Marshmen rise from the water in Season 18 is perhaps an odd ‘Full Circle’ like Sea Devils had be- choice for the next release in The fore. Terrance Dicks spins a classi- Collection series. The DVD releas- cally chilling vampire tale in ‘State es were comprehensive in terms of of Decay’ whilst the surreal special features, leaving these sto- ‘Warrior’s Gate’ concludes the trilo- ries very well served and little need gy. for new material. However, some excellent additions have added to Producer John Nathan Turner be- the already existing material. The gan his courting of the fans by most notable inclusion is a brand- bringing back the Master in 'The new making of documentary cover- Keeper of Traken'. It also began ing ‘Logopolis’. Over the course of another trilogy that would introduce its near hour-long runtime Janet two new companions alongside Fielding reveals the tension of the Adric. All of this was in preparation production. Fielding does however for Tom Baker’s regeneration which remain tactful in withholding specif- occurs in ‘Logopolis’. That story arc ic details of what made the experi- is of course concluded with Peter ence so uncomfortable for those Davison’s debut in the already re- involved. Instead of a formal on- leased ‘Castrovalva’. A focus on camera interview, Matthew Sweet plausible scientific theory became acts as moderator for two entertain- the motif for the season finale ing new audio commentaries for ‘Logopolis’ written by Bidmead him- ‘The Leisure Hive’ with Tom Baker, self. This release sees new CGI and ‘State of Decay’ with Lalla effects available for that closing sto- Ward and Rachel Davies (Camilla). ry. A brief shot shows the Fourth In particular, the conversation with Doctor plummeting to Earth from the show’s leading man draws out the radio telescope for the first time some fascinating insight from Tom ever! It is a fleeting moment, and an Baker, recalling emotions specifi- odd thing to be a highlight, but it is cally despite not recognising fellow a welcome addition. actors quite as accurately.

Season 18 comprises an intriguing The simplistic Gogglebox-style for- run of stories all of which are pre- mat returns with Behind the Sofa. sented in pristine picture and sound Frustratingly the monsters in the quality. High definition brings out background are once again only the rich colours in ‘The Leisure images rather than full props as Hive’ but exposes the shabbiness were seen on the Season 12 box-

56 ences. Finding oneself in the mid- dle of the stony atmosphere gener- ated by the disquiet between Tom Baker and Lalla Ward would’ve been difficult for anyone, let alone someone just breaking into the act- ing industry. Ever the natural pre- senter, Toby Hadoke delves deep- er into a side of the Adric actor which hasn’t been uncovered previ- ously. Following some intriguing opinions and emotional recollec- tions, the viewer is provided a much better appreciation for the man behind the television charac- ter.

As is traditional, photo galleries, PDF production paperwork and set. Imagine if the BBC hadn’t sold even more fascinating behind the off a Foamasi, Marshman and Gun- scenes footage is provided, giving dan robot in 2010 and they could’ve the viewer plenty to keep them en- accompanied Melkur to be posi- tertained for hours and hours. tioned behind the sofa. Neverthe- less, Tom Baker, John Leeson and K9 and Company costume designer June Hudson sat together discussing Doctor Who is Also included on the eighth and a delight to watch. Meanwhile, final disc of the set is ‘K9 and Com- Wendy Padbury joins fellow com- pany’. Although this quirky and panions Sarah Sutton and Janet unique pilot failed to generate Fielding on the sofa to discuss the enough interest for a full spinoff show from a companion’s perspec- series for and K9 tive. They are an odd trio to watch to go into production, it remains a ‘The Leisure Hive’ together for in- thoroughly entertaining oddity. In- stance but there’s some amusing cluded on this disc is a new inter- leg pulling which can’t help but view with Ian Sears, appropriately make the viewer smile. titled Brendan and Company. It al- so features an amusing variation of Another new feature is Weekend the K9 and Company title se- with Waterhouse which sees Toby quence! As Sears now resides in Hadoke visit Matthew Waterhouse the USA his is a voice which hasn’t who played the divisive new com- been heard a lot. The inclusion of panion Adric introduced in ‘Full Cir- his interview therefore provides a cle’. A young actor at the time of his fresh perspective into the produc- casting, the now adult Waterhouse tion of this one-off special which is open and frank about his experi- itself hasn’t been covered in a huge

57 amount of detail before. K9 and Overall Company also gets an appropriate- ly individual Behind the Sofa instal- Unsurprisingly, this latest release ment. Accompanying voice of K9 for Doctor Who: The Collection is John Leeson to revisit this story another triumph, continuing the high are Gillian Martell (Lily Gregson) standard of the previous two releas- and Sean Chapman (Peter es. Despite these stories already Tracey). Appropriately the greatly being well served by DVD bonus missed proves a features, the new additions on this topic of conversation. Unexpected- release make it well worth the in- ly however, comparisons with vestment. Presenting the definitive Hammer Horror films and long versions, in terms of picture and scenes being more familiar of a sound quality, of this eventful sea- theatre production help the viewer son of Doctor Who makes for an see the episode in a new light, no essential purchase. Plus, the hours matter how many times you’ve and hours of interviews, documen- watched ‘K9 and Company’ over taries and other bonus features you the years. The trio of actors there- certainly won’t want to have missed fore offer a pleasingly insightful out on this set. viewpoint on the show, casting and production, making for a story worth revisiting

Perhaps my favourite new piece of material also features on this disc. The Writers Room unites four of Season 18’s writers, Christopher H Bidmead, John Flanagan, Andrew Smith and Stephen Gallagher, in a pub and talk Doctor Who over a few pints. Although a relatively sim- plistic set up, one no doubt familiar to most of us, it makes for a great watch. Discussion and critiques of 'Meglos' and 'Warrior's Gate' prove to be particularly honest. Similarly, Andrew Smith's recollections of his 'Full Circle' commission are enjoya- ble stories to hear. Unexpectedly, JNT's attitude towards a female Doctor is brought up. Oh, what he’d make of the show now! Hope- To view the trailer for the box set fully this will be a recurring feature click here as it works particularly well for Sea- At the time of publication the box son 18 and could be similarly effec- set is selling for premium prices. tive on other releases. Click here to view at Amazon UK

58 “That's exactly it. That's where we are - on a stable world in a universe of antimatter; an anomaly within an impossibility.”

The normal behind the scenes tur- moil that usually accompanies the making of Doctor Who was unusu- ally absent for season 10. Due to the money saving compromise made in 1970 to keep the Doctor exiled to Earth, a serendipitous de- cision that helped form a close-knit ing, have a credible threat and family, a company, if you will, com- move the mythos along, The Three prising of UNIT, the companion and Doctors did all this and more, creat- the Doctor – thus the actors be- ing an onscreen rivalry between came close friends, the production Doctor’s 2 and 3 that was so univer- team knew where the series was sally enjoyable that it carried on into heading, and that sense of belong- the convention circuit. ing transferred onto the screen, cul- minating in the five stories that The season also saw the return of make up the season. the Master and the Doctor’s favour- ite bad guys, the , in what Calling on established writers and amounts to a 12-part episode, even feeling that the Earth-bound stories though it was split into two stories. were exhausted, producer Barry Story one, in fact, had the Draconi- Letts and script editor Terrance ans, Jon Pertwee’s favourite Dicks made waves to move the se- ‘monsters’ due to the masks that ries back into the space adventure allowed the actors to portray more it had previously become. To do emotions. The final story, based on this they entertained an idea long Letts’ own environmental feelings is been touted but flatly refused, to let a bona fide classic and fondly re- the Doctor meet himself. This be- membered by all; indeed there are came the season opener and the those that never knew the ‘classic unofficial tenth anniversary story – series’ and still know this story! Per- radical for the time but looking back haps more widely remembered so clearly an obvious decision. It amongst fans as ’s did everything a good Doctor Who last story, a wonderfully poignant story should: be entertaining, rivet- moment, heartbreakingly lovely that

59 had far reaching consequences. used to smooth out some of the With the loss of Roger Delgado rougher edges, though detail ap- during that year (in a tragic car pears to be slightly better intact, crash), Katy moving on, the pro- and its usage really helps the pic- duction team began sowing the ture. Source defects remain intact. seeds for their own departure, but we can still look back at season 10 Frontier in Space as the Pertwee era at its very fin- est. The DVD for this release was pretty good and the Blu-ray upgrade isn’t The Three Doctors that significant; the increased reso- lution does define edges much bet- Even though the DVD had a ter, and the colours are far more ‘Revisitations’ release, the Blu-ray robust and vivid, especially the upgrade is immediate and obvious. greens, while the black level does The increase in resolution gives give an increase in depth. Source much keener edges throughout, issues still remain and there is no smoothing aliasing and adding unruly DNR, so the picture tops any some frame depth also. Colours previous release. are bolder, richer and grade much better. Inherent in the source, lens Planet of the Daleks flares and softness are reduced, but still there. One thing I did no- Released at the same time, the tice, especially during the filmed work done to this DVD was excel- sequences, is the presence of lent and much can be said about DNR helped to smooth out some of the Blu-ray upgrade, which has the rougher edges, it’s quite obvi- keener edges, far more saturation ous, on paused scenes, though to the colours (jungle sets especial- this doesn’t reflect real world ly) and a deeper black level. Epi- watching. Detail is ever so slightly sode 3 was re-colourised since it lost due to this, but overall, the was only retained in the BBC ar- benefit outweighs this very slight chives as black and white, this pro- loss. Studio bound material ap- cess worked well, but it still looks a pears unaffected. bit off – flesh tones are a bit brown, reds are a bit skewed – but this was Carnival of Monsters always the case. Overall, the image is a decent enough step up in terms This DVD was also the recipient of of quality. a ‘Revisitiations’ release, and once again the added resolution and col- our depth in the Blu-ray add signifi- The Green Death cantly to the image; bringing out more detail, better edging and This DVD was also the recipient of greater depth. Colours are slightly a ‘special edition’ later release, but more vibrant, and black levels are even so, the Blu-ray picture is a increased. DNR has also been clear upgrade in terms of resolution

60 and colour reproduction. Edges are er with more colour depth and an much keener from close up to dis- improved black level image, even if tance, colours are far richer while there has been some liberal usage black levels are increased adding of DNR on some of the episodes; some decent frame depth. Like the the benefit outweighs the negligible first two discs in this set, this image detail loss. The sound tracks are has had a liberal dose of DNR, and functional and clear, with ’Planet of while it does smooth off a lot of the the Daleks’ gaining a Dolby Digital rougher edges (the filming in 5.1 upgrade, itself with good sepa- South Wales for example) it is at a ration, dynamics and bass. very slight loss of detail. This is on- ly really evident on paused sections The extras package is, again, im- and flicking between the two imag- mense with plenty of new content es and then only on skin texture. I sitting alongside the features ported realise I am nit-picking to a degree, over from the DVDs. There are a because overall the image is a few extras that were on previous clear improvement over previous DVD releases missing this time releases. around, including the ‘On Target’ feature about Ian Marter, so holding Verdict on the DVDs for those might be ad- visable for completists. Season 10 of Doctor Who is fondly remembered, and it is easy to see why. The UNIT ‘family’ made nec- essary by financial constraints in 1970, proved to be a winning com- bination, allowing the production team to flourish, culminating in a period of stability that the show sel- dom entertained. The stories, by some of the best writers the series had ever known, were strong, the feeling of belonging was plain to see, and this allowed the whole season to thrive. Though there were tragedies off screen (the death of Roger Delgado) and heart- break on it (Jo leaving), it remains one of the best loved and most en- joyed whole seasons of the series run. To view the specially recorded trail- er click here As a Blu-ray set, this complete sea- son package is, once again, very At the time of publication the box impressive. All the episodes benefit set is selling for premium prices. from a cleaner, more stable, sharp- Click here to view at Amazon UK

61 the 90 minutes flew by and it was over before I knew it.

The Olympic Studios provided an interesting venue for the interview and feature a very nice cinema which you can view online at / This edition of Myth Makers clocks www.olympiccinema.co.uk. I shall in at just over 90 minutes and it’s all endeavour to visit there sometime gold. I have no idea how they are in . going to edit it to 60 minutes for the Paul McGann years compilation. Extra wise, there is a little docu- mentary coving the dalek world rec- I found this programme to be abso- ord attempt by the Sons of at lutely riveting, hearing all about the recent ‘The Gathering’ conven- Geoffrey Sax’s early career in thea- tion. This was very good, but sadly tre and how he made the transition also very short. I’d love for a proper to TV. The details he gives about behind the scenes documentary of working in the TV industry and how a convention. Maybe another important the unions were are fas- time? cinating. There are several interest- ing sections where Mr Sax de- This is a great interview and well scribes how he had to embellish on worth the price. a few things in order to pursue his career, I won’t tell you what they are you will need to watch to find out.

When he goes through all the things he has done, you realise how small a part of his career Doc- tor Who was, He seems very fond of the TV movie and explains that he has nearly returned to Doctor Who on a couple of occasions, but timing has yet to work out (doubtless a critical timing malfunc- tion took place!). I for one would like to see him still get a chance to return to Direct some more epi- sodes in the future. To purchase the DVD or buy/rent Robert Dick is comfortable as an as a download, visit Time Travel TV interviewer and keeps the conver- by clicking here sation flowing, so well in fact that

62 As a fan of McGann’s Doctor I was Right from the opening introduction extremely looking forward to this Eric Roberts and his wife Eliza are release. I’ve not seen a lot of stuff a joy to watch. Eric is interviewed with him talking about Doctor Who. by his wife Eliza, and is obviously In fact the last thing I saw was well at ease. I love his cheeky around the time that the TV movie sense of humour which comes was made. It was called ‘Bidding across in droves. The topics of dis- Adieu’ and focused more on Syl- cussion range from his early days in vester McCoy - so this was going theatre to recent film and TV pro- to be ‘all new’ for me. jects. Of course, Doctor Who is dis- cussed in some detail, including Sophie Aldred once again proves Eric’s experiences on set, returning herself a capable interviewer and to the role of The Master for Big it’s nice to see Paul McGann seem- Finish, and his school days in the ing so relaxed. It was nice to hear UK where he was first exposed to details of his childhood and the Doctor Who. Eric has a huge cata- struggles of getting an equity card logue of acting roles to discuss, and back in the day. all the big things like Heroes, The Expendables, The Dark Knight are Paul still comes across as a shy covered. individual and it’s good to hear how his opinion on conventions evolved. Eric talks with great warmth about Sadly, for me there wasn’t a deep his time on Doctor Who, (in which dive into his Big Finish adventures, his wife also had a part) and his although they are briefly talked subsequent convention experienc- about, I would have loved for this to es, and I really hope we get to see have gone into greater detail, as him at some events in the UK that’s where most of his 8th Doctor soon. work is. The TV movie and Night of the Doctor are also spoken about This edition of Myth Makers is a but again, not enough detail for ‘must have’ - keep an eye out for me. the Roberts family scene stealing cats! To round up, this was a nice inter- view, but for me only touched the To purchase the DVD or buy/rent surface of what could have been. the download, visit Time Travel TV by clicking here To purchase the DVD or buy/rent the download, visit Time Travel TV by clicking here

63 discussion - if 1996 Doctor Who had taken off could an American actor have played the Doctor? Gene Wilder, Christopher Lloyd or Dick Van Dyke perhaps?

We decided that Doctor Who suc- ceeds for two main reasons: The viewing of Logopolis at Regal

City North 14 – was a great night 1. When done well, the main for Whovians. Specifically – Chica- protagonist solves complex goDoctorWhoMeetup. Gordon problems with reason, logic Dymowshi, who has been running and ‘cleverness’ ChicagoDoctorWhoMeetup for sev- 2. The show is for everyone. en years is the leader and organizer There is no specific market for with Elizabeth Wade; the social me- Doctor Who. Any ethnicity, dia coordinator.

Before viewing Logopolis, the group met at a restaurant called ‘Fat Wil- lys’ and discussed many things in- cluding Doctor Who – what we’d like to see in the future, who our favourite companions are, the usual stuff.

Since Doctor Who, is a very long running show – our members are age and gender can enjoy it from a wide age range from 20 up- wards. Some of us that dined at Fat Even if Chicago is too far away you Willys grew up with watching Tom can still follow us on Twitter Baker on PBS during the 1970’s in @WhoMeetup and visit us at America. Some others had not YouTube. Just click the links! seen Tom Baker and still others like me, had only seen him because of the streaming service Brit Box. Un- fortunately for American fans there was a decline in Doctor Who’s pop- ularity after Tom Baker’s run and most PBS stations stopped airing the show. For many Doctor Who would not be seen again on Ameri- can televisions until 1996 when Paul McGann arrived.

That led to an interesting topic of

64 play Doctor Who, from 1966-69) as Victor Marsden, a former trade un- ion boss who is dying from leukae- mia, although he has kept this news from his wife, Sonia (Elizabeth Spriggs). Victor confides the truth in his friend Maurice (Richard Pasco), With an extensive directorial career a middle-class university professor beginning in 1960, Waris Hussein in the history of art, and shares with has directed several acclaimed and him letters written and sent by award-winning television and film Sonia to Victor which express her productions and is perhaps best feelings about their relationship and known for being the first director to their courtship and early marriage in work on Doctor Who in 1963 on its ways she feels unable to vocalise to first serial, An Unearthly Child. As him in person. While bound by the part of the celebrations to mark the formal style of BBC dramas up until first anniversary of the opening of the mid-1980s, whereby exterior Liverpool’s VideOdyssey – a VHS shots were captured on film inserts rental store (yes, in this age of and the interior scenes shot on mul- streaming, somebody has opened ti-camera video (meaning shots had a video rental store) which also to be planned in advance and ac- houses arcade games and an im- tors thoroughly rehearsed so they pressive studio space – Room knew where they were moving to on 5064 Productions hosted the latest set), this does not restrict Hussein’s in its series of ‘Audience With…’ direction and contains an astonish- events of Doctor Who alumni ing scene where Maurice enters the (previous events have included the living room of the Marsden’s home director Graeme Harper and script and the camera pans 360-degrees editor of the series from 1982-86, around it. Eric Saward) in VideOdyssey’s stu- dio space which had three working Troughton sports a convincing cameras stationed in it to add to Yorkshire accent throughout and that TV studio vibe befitting the delivers a powerhouse performance subject of the event. as Victor goes through the five stages of grief as he faces the end The host for the event was Matt of his life. Spriggs, meanwhile, por- Charlton who introduced the first trays Sonia as a tough, no- item of the day – a special screen- nonsense wife who disapproves of ing (made possible with the help of the members of the union who the BFI) of a ‘Play For Today’ from ‘drain’ Victor’s spirit but whose ini- 1976 which Hussein directed called tially stony appearance belies the 'Love Letters On Blue Paper'. The warm, emotional person beneath teleplay, written by Arnold Wesker (the scene near the end when she and adapted from the short story of cries over Victor really pulled at the the same name, featured Patrick heartstrings). As a piece of archival Troughton (the second actor to television, 'Love Letters On Blue

65 Paper' is a strong production within later in his career he would direct the famous (and for some, much the Suffragette drama 'Shoulder To missed) ‘Play For Today’ pro- Shoulder' (1974, produced by Veri- gramme strand, although it is ty Lambert, the first producer of marked by the production style of Doctor Who), examine the abdica- the time (there is a voice-over deliv- tion of Edward VIII in 'Edward And ered by Pasco which often tells the Mrs Simpson' (1978), and the AIDS audience exactly what we are see- drama 'Intimate Contact' (1987) ing and thus seems to a more mod- which was one of the first television ern audience somewhat redun- dramas to highlight that AIDS did dant). not affect only homosexuals In ad- dition to his work on television, Following the screening, Charlton there was also discussion of his and Hussein sat down for the first work in film from his first feature, 'A interview, where Hussein was able Touch Of Love' (1969) – which to reflect on 'Love Letters On Blue starred fellow Cambridge alumnus Paper', this being the first time he Ian McKellen, the musical had seen it since its transmission in 'Melody' (1971), 'Henry VIII And His 1976. Charlton proved to be a very Six Wives' (1972), and the TV mov- well-researched and patient inter- ie of Barry Manilow’s musical viewer and gave Hussein the time 'Copacabana' (1985), which earned to answer his questions and provide Hussein an Emmy award (although, anecdotes about his career. Speak- with typical grace, Hussein said he ing of the work he did on the felt the choreographer, Grover Wednesday Play/Play For Today Dale, should have been given the series, Hussein did say that he was award instead). proud of the work he had done and how privileged he felt to be able to The event then moved into its sec- work with such strong, talented ac- ond, more Doctor Who orientated tors as Troughton and others. While half, with a screening of the 2013 saying he was proud of his work, drama, 'An Adventure In Space Hussein did not come across as And Time', which focused on the someone subject to hubris but as a genesis of Doctor Who in 1963 up humble person who was very aware to the departure of the show’s first of their fortune in life giving them lead actor William Hartnell in 1966. such an opportunity – and as the For this, Hussein provided a live first Indian director to work at the commentary which was available to BBC, Hussein was a trailblazer. stream via the Twitch website and Discussing the often ‘issue’ led ba- app and provided some interesting sis of the ‘Play For Today’ dramas, anecdotes – especially on how con- Hussein said that when it came to servative the BBC were in the early working with scripts, ‘I always wel- 1960s – and enabled viewers to come a script which has an issue at ask questions via the website which stake.’ 1965, for instance, saw Hus- Hussein would then answer while sein directed an adaption of ‘A Pas- the screening was happening. In sage To India’ for the BBC, while this drama Hussein was played by

66 Sacha Dhawan who very closely pushed by the operators whenever resembled the young Hussein but, a zoom-in was needed. Hussein from the evidence of seeing the reflected that he felt that “we did as man himself, also his personality. well as we could” with working with- While taking liberties with some as- in the confines of the studios and pects of the early days of Doctor the BBC budget! Hussein also Who for dramatic or budgetary rea- mourned the loss of the BBC’s Di- sons (the resistance from execu- rector Training Course where he cut tives in the BBC to the show is de- his teeth as a director prior to work- picted as coming through a single ing on the soap-opera Compact. figure in the drama, whereas Hus- Here he was subject to a baptism of sein said in his commentary that fire when he had to adjust his di- Lambert was fighting off pressure recting on the spot when a camera from several people), 'An Adventure malfunctioned during a live broad- In Space And Time' still provided a cast. As the event ended, Hussein fantastic nostalgia-fest for fans of said with a twinkle: “I’ve had a very the show. good run and fortunately, I’m still running” It was a fine way to wrap Following this screening, Charlton up a very pleasant event and cele- and Hussein returned for the sec- bration of one of Britain’s best tele- ond part of their interview and re- vision directors. flected on what the drama got right (Hussein did say that Hartnell’s re- luctance about taking on the role was depicted exactly as it hap- pened in real life) and what it was like working on the show in its in- fancy. One interesting nugget of information was that Hussein was present when the theme tune (written by Ron Grainer) was first recorded (he still has the original, Delia Derbyshire arranged version as his ringtone!). There was also discussion of the Who story he directed, Marco Polo (1964), which is sadly missing from the BBC archives, having been wiped as part of the organisation’s policy at the time. Hussein praised the work of BBC designer Barry Newbery for the amazing sets he was able to create and squeeze within the confines of Studio D in This item was originally published Lime Grove studios, filled with its at Number Nine Reviews. You can heavy cameras which had to be visit the site by clicking here.

67 whilst the entry tickets are relatively affordable, they only permit en- trance to the event; all pho- toshoots, autographs and ‘selfies’ (where permitted) require further outlay. Showmasters LFCC is quickly be- coming a tradition for us. This Olympia, West Kensington is the Summer event was our third LFCC venue for Summer LFCC, which and, having only attended on Sat- spreads across two halls as op- urday and Sunday previously, we posed to the Spring event which took the plunge and booked for all utilises just one. We knew it would three days on this occasion. Price- be busier so having the quieter Fri- wise, the entry ticket wasn’t as ex- day to wander at leisure and get pensive as one might think with familiar with the floor plan was real- three day entry averaging out at ly helpful. A handy hint for keeping £20 per day. If you are travelling your bearings and easily meeting some distance however, the addi- up with people during your visit is tional accommodation and dining to choose a focal point or two early costs can make the keenly priced on. For us, this was Pizza Express multi-day ticket appear less attrac- on the ground floor; it is clearly tive. It is also worth noting that seen from the first floor too so you can quickly determine if you’re ac- tually in the hall you want to be in from the higher vantage point. It was also rather handy that our friends from Sons of Skaro had their TARDIS and Daleks set up there! We then typically check out where the photoshoot and auto- graph areas are in relation to that; being able to easily navigate to these locations will benefit those who have photoshoots booked, it will also aid those who wish to avoid the throngs of people queu- ing!

We attended our first convention in 2015, started cosplaying at our second and have cosplayed every event we’ve been to since. Being active on the cosplay scene, we find ourselves seeing the same people at many of these events, particularly LFCC which, being a

68 Doctor Who characters, we also cosplay Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars icons too; Rich can often be seen walking around in a Stormtrooper/ mashup which always goes down well with everyone! The beauty of LFCC is that anything goes.

Understandably, the size and loca- tion of the Summer LFCC event means the Showmasters team are able to attract the attendance of a range of A-list celebrities. Photo opportunity tickets are typically pur- chased online in advance with the appearance on the day being de- pendent on the individuals existing contractual commitments so, whilst disappointing, it’s not uncommon for guests to pull out in the run up to flagship event, draws people from the event. I find it frustrating when a far and wide. Despite the huge guest cancels the night before or numbers, we actually managed to there is a delay in communicating a catch up with all the people we had guest cancellation from the organis- expected to see as well as some er but, it happens and is just one of that we hadn’t. There’s something those things… rather lovely about randomly seeing a face you recognise in the crowd, This time we had photos booked sharing a hug, appreciating the with: Katee Sackhoff, Lee Majors, work that’s gone into creating outfits Robert Picardo, Alex Kingston and and generally ‘geeking out’ before John Barrowman. Katee and Alex posing for the obligatory photos. Of unfortunately cancelled but we were course, if you happen to be wearing still able to get photos with Lee and related cosplay, there’s every Robert, both of whom were an ab- chance you will recreate an actual solute pleasure to meet. John can- scene and have many photogra- celled for the Friday but we were phers capturing the moment! able to rebook for the Saturday which was a huge relief as a photo We usually have our outfits ready with him along with a signed book well in advance – this time though I were our intended unique Birthday was putting the finishing touches to present for Rich’s Mum! We found my Doctor Who Jo Grant boots the John Barrowman to be really friend- night before! Still, I guess last mi- ly, he took the time to orchestrate nute alterations are a rite of pas- two very different poses for our sage for cosplayers… In addition to photoshoot and wrote a lovely Birth-

69 day message; ironically, his Mum and Rich’s Mum share the same Birthday!

One thing to mention here is that for autographs, Showmasters now have a ‘Virtual Queue’ system in place at LFCC; this didn’t seem to be well advertised so we weren’t able to take advantage of it this time but ultimately, if you obtain an autograph queue ticket for your chosen guest(s) as soon as you with me at all times but didn’t need arrive, you can then go about en- to call upon my emergency stash! joying the rest of the day safe in There are a number of locations in the knowledge that you have a the halls that provide food and place in a shorter queue when the drinks, including a couple of stand- number on your ticket falls within alone carts selling just lager. Being the number range displayed. The within the event building, these do queues for photoshoots line up ac- have a tendency to have limited cording to the batch number on options and can be expen- your ticket, they are inevitably long sive. There is a Tesco Express and snake back and forth in quite a nearby for lunchtime ‘meal deals’ small area but the system did and the Pizza Express restaurant I seem more organised than previ- mentioned earlier is accessible from ous events, or maybe we’re just inside and outside the event, the getting more familiar with the public side having a more extensive Showmasters process. menu. Alternatively, the Hand & Flower conveniently located across With regards to facilities, toilets are the road is a firm favourite of ours. located at various locations on eve- They offer a varied lunch, dinner ry floor in each hall. They are well and drinks menu and has a wonder- sign posted and, given how busy ful atmosphere, so this is where we the event is, are surprisingly well usually catch up with friends at the maintained; I typically carry tissue end of each day.

Summer LFCC isn’t cheap, it’s very busy; probably needing a different venue in years to come and quite frankly, it’s tiring… But we love it, roll on Spring LFCC 2020!

Twitter: @RunningWhovian Photos: Richard Nelson Twitter: @bhxscanner

70 Doctor Who titles). This continued right until the end of 2000 with The Mutant Phase. It would be 2008 before the move to download com- menced with The Condemned – more on that later.

July 1999 Big Finish released the July was quickly followed by indi- Nick Briggs story Sirens of Time vidual stories for the fifth, sixth and with Peter Davison, Colin Baker seventh Doctors alongside Tur- and Sylvester McCoy appearing as lough, Peri, Nyssa and Ace. March their respective Doctors. As we ap- 2000 marked another milestone as proach two decades, it’s easy to be Jac Rayner’s story The Marian overwhelmed by the number and Conspiracy brought a new audio range of titles released in the inter- only companion for the sixth Doc- vening years. Taking a random tor, Dr Evelyn Smythe played by month (March 2019) and we were . With Evelyn Big treated to a fifth Doctor story with Finish demonstrated they could Kamelion, Tegan and Turlough, extend the range of companions Fourth Doctor Comic Strip adapta- and find new and compelling ways tions, Lalla Ward’s in to explore various incarnations of : Time War 2, a short story the Doctor. It wouldn’t be long be- for the , a Torch- fore Evelyn met the Brig, Lalla wood release and a celebration of Ward appeared as Romana and International Women’s Day with Bonnie Langford reprised (with The Eighth of March bringing River great success over the years) Mel Song, Ace, Benny, Madame Vastra Bush. and team as well as Kate Stewart and Osgood. So, just how did Big January 2001 kicked off with an- Finish get from there to here? Let’s other Doctor as Paul McGann took go back to the beginning…. possession of the TARDIS with a new audio companion, Charley Any survey of Big Finish output Pollard (). The eighth runs the risk of drowning under the Doctor allowed Big Finish to later volume of titles, and in the interests explore new ground… more on that of space this article focusses on later. Also in 2001, the first spin-off some of many milestones. There appeared: Dalek Empire. Excilis are others; apologies if personal and Sarah Jane Smith followed in favourites are missed. 2002 and more Dalek Empire in 2003 as well as the what-if alter- It may surprise some readers to nate history series Unbound. This know the early Big Finish Doctor skips over the seminal 2001 re- Who stories were released on cas- lease for the main range, a sette tape (very much as the Big story of Nazi Germany winning Finish predecessor Audio Visuals World War 2, and an officer Kurtz had released their non-licensed played by a certain David Tennant.

71 Whatever happened to him? saw more consolidation of new ranges (including releases for The and Evelyn mile- Gallifrey and Sarah Jane) it was stone 2003 release must be 2007 when Big Finish found a way mentioned in any study of Big Fin- to move back into early eras with ish – the story Russel T Davies the Companion Chronicles range: asked Rob Shearman to develop single-disc stories read / performed for the TV episode Dalek. This year by an actor who’d been a compan- was also the 40th anniversary of ion and a small cast, often these Doctor Who on TV, and Big Finish are two-handers. January 2007 celebrated with three big stories: brought Maureen o’Brien back as , Omega and Master before Vicki and a certain Sheridan Smith the three-disc epic , as the character Cinder. January multi-character / multi-epic Zagre- 2007 also brought Sheridan Smith us, a story that divides opinion to our attention as new companion even now, and saw the eight Doc- . tor and Charley take the range into new territory: the Divergent Uni- verse, a series of experimental sto- ries with new rules, no TARDIS and new foes. A big experiment that never fully developed, thanks to a certain TV show’s return to the small screen in 2005.

As the show returned to TV, Big Finish’s sales plummeted (Nick Briggs once suggested this might be as much as a 25% drop). Not only were sales down but there was a continuity problem: how could the Doctor fight a Time War and visit twenty-first century Lon- don if he was stuck in the Divergent Lucie Miller was a new companion Universe? The Big Finish experi- for the eighth Doctor whose main ment came to an untimely end and range appearances were slowly the Doctor was rushed back to running down. With Lucie, a mod- Earth post haste with August ern young woman, there was a new 2005’s . energy in stories and a feeling of connection to the TV series. Over By this time there was another orig- four series Lucia and the Doctor inal spin-off series establishing it- brought many new fans to Big Fin- self, Gallifrey, which started in ish thanks to their being broadcast 2004. The end of 2005 also saw on BBC Radio 7. Sheridan has another spin-off, Cybermen. Crea- since gone on to massive success tivity was undiminished! If 2006 on stage and TV but has recently

72 found time to reprise the part and The next big milestones came in we will be getting more Lucie this the fiftieth anniversary of the show. year for the Big Finish anniversary. Big Finish produced a monthly set of stories (one for each then extent In 2009 the Lost Stories range ap- Doctor) called Destiny of the Doc- peared: scripts for never made ad- tor. For November 2013 itself they ventures adapted for audio and giv- released a multi-Doctor epic Light ing us a change to listen to every- at the End, which was also the first thing from Farewell Great Macedon vinyl release for Big Finish. Not to seventh Doctor stories with new one’s to rest on their laurels, Big companion Raine Creevy. It was Finish found more and more ways 2010 that brought what many fans to expand and September 2015 view as the best spin-off of all: Jago gave the first appearance for Tim & Litefoot. Treloar as the in the first set of Third Doctor Adventures, For two characters who only ap- while Elliot Chapman gave voice to peared in one fourth Doctor story Ben Jackson alongside Jamie and The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Jago Polly in The Yes Men. and Litefoot brought many hours of listening delight over a range of re- Since then we’ve had the new se- leases including their own thirteen ries licence, David Tennant back as release series of boxsets including the tenth Doctor, stories for the as barmaid Ellie ninth and eleventh as well as a Higson whose chemistry with Chris- range of stores for John topher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter Hurt. As each month passes it is made all the more remarkable seems there’s an announcement when you realise Lisa also directed! whether it’s the short story format And this is maybe the moment to Short Trips bringing Jackie Tyler on not forget how important Lisa’s Ber- alternate Earth, adventures set on nice Summerfield was to Big Finish New Earth or Derek Jacobi as the both before the Doctor Who licence War Master in his own boxsets. and also since. There’s no room to do more than mention the often-brilliant Torch- Soon Big Finish would be releasing wood range and even Class has stories set in the era of every Doc- made an appearance. tor from the shows past bar one: Tom Baker’s. It would be a few When you try to get the measure of more years before that problem twenty years of Doctor Who at Big was resolved as 2012 started with Finish, the only possible reaction is the first of the Fourth Doctor Adven- amazement, tinged with astonish- tures in January’s Destination Ner- ment and healthy pinch of excite- va. The end of 2012 also saw the ment as to what might come next. day the Big Finish website broke Roll on the next twenty years! under the weight of downloads when a new eight Doctor spin-off Dark Eyes was released.

73 Eighth Doctor boxsets continue to prove to be among the highest This is a Dalek adventure. Yes, quality and event-piece releases those pepper pots are back. Like from Big Finish, and Ravenous 3 is many stories previously, the title no exception. There is always a five gives away that they will be in it, -day countdown on social media for and what could be built to a reveal, each release, which I find ramp up never quite works. the excitement for when the sets

become available. This is another gratifying outing for the Sixth Doctor, again granted the ‘Deeptime Frontier’ was originally opportunity to be both deductive intended to be the closing act of and heroic, and Colin Baker again Ravenous 2, and although it’s per- gives a find performance. Both haps not the most innovative with Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant con- its storyline while at times being a tinue to bring the Doctor and Peri to bit too descriptive with its dialogue, life brilliantly, and I’ve very pleased it remains every bit as powerful as to see that Big Finish continue to the opener to Ravenous 3 and final- give them a range of stories ly gives genuine menace to the

threat that has been hinted at for so The play itself treads familiar long. While ‘Seizure’ gave us a very ground and to be fair most dalek simple introduction to the Rav- stories do. The stars are the char- enous, ‘Deeptime Frontier’ takes acters and the production itself. the time to give us a great deal

more information. Sometimes, From the start what really jumped knowing too much can ruin a mon- out at me with this audio was the ster’s scare factor, but the origins of tremendous sound design and mu- the Ravenous actually enhance it. sical accompaniment. The team at

Big Finish have gone full Star Wars ‘Companion Piece’ by John Dorney style on this and I loved it. takes both the Doctor and the Rav-

enous out of the equation to tell a This story won’t be one that I return surprisingly isolated tale that cele- to often but if they released a brates so much of the Eighth Doctor soundtrack I would delve into it over era with his companions very much and over. at the forefront. The return of Char-

lotte Pollard to the Eighth Doctor For a trailer click here adventures is undoubtedly going to

be the major draw of this story for To buy from Big Finish click here many, and India Fisher delivers a To buy from Amazon UK click here profound performance that perfectly

74 exemplifies her companion’s intelli- Special mention must be given to gence, self-assuredness, and brav- Mark Bonnar and John Heffernan ery. Sadly, this isn’t after her time whose tour de force performances of travelling with the Doctor and so as The Eleven and The Nine are a there’s no genuine reunion be- highlight of this set. tween her and the Eighth Doctor. I still hold out hope that we will get Looking towards ‘Ravenous 4’ I do this at some point in the future. find myself wondering if trapping these series into 4 x 4 episodes is a John Dorney has written a plot good thing. It might be better just to that’s very light and straightforward do ‘The Eighth Doctor Adventures’ – essentially, the companions work volumes as with other Doctors, so together to escape from a seeming- as not to trap the writers into these ly inescapable prison. This means arc limits. that there is much more focus on the dialogue and character explora- Although we know where the Eighth tion than there is on an over- Doctor ends his life, we know noth- complicated story. ing of Helen and Liv’s future with him, unlike most other companions Being in the same story arc as the who feature in stories told by Big brilliant Krampus two-part tale from Finish. This open creative space Ravenous 2, ‘L.E.G.E.N.D’ will un- means that the Eighth Doctor is still doubtedly draw comparisons be- forging ahead and making new cause of the similar themes it co- ground just as much as he was in vers. Yet while the end result here the early 2000s. I am ready for isn’t quite as seamless and reso- whatever is ahead. 8/10 for this one nant as what has come before, the bevy of strong ideas at its core un- questionably creates the potential to be a lot more. For me whilst the weakest episode of the series this is not quite a throw away episode, It is just that the previous story was so good, this cannot live up to it.

The final episode of Ravenous 3, ‘The Odds Against’ is a very ‘by the numbers’ Doctor Who adventure, and I feel this is deliberate. ‘The Odds Against’ is definitely very ef- fective as a finale to the box set. The scale is overall rather small compared to some of the other fi- nales, but the personal stakes real- For the trailer click here ly do feel at their highest, and it ties the whole box off very nicely. To buy from Big Finish click here To buy from Amazon UK, click here

75 ance the epic with the subtle, and the over-the-top with the slight un- dertones. They know how to put music in a scene.

If there was a way to make a written Alex Kingston and Lisa Bowerman review solely consisting of awed play wonderfully off each other as silence, intermittent squeals, and two archaeologists who care deeply frantic gesticulating, I would send it for the Doctor and would do any- in, and you the reader would be thing to protect him. And their mutu- subject to my incoherent babble. al distaste – and eventual support – However, I wouldn’t subject you to of his newest companion was won- that, and instead, this will be reada- derful. Talking of whom - Ria. That ble, and my high-pitched squeals of voice drove nails through my head, excitement will only exist in your and I suppose, in the end, that was imagination. Did you hear that? the point. Ria was an overly chipper That was me. Granted it isn’t that individual, overhyping the Doctor. I high-pitched, but it’s startling none- couldn’t stand her, until the end of the-less. the story. She was overly chipper for a very specific reason. Spoilers. My Who audio was ‘The Light at the End’, Big Finish’s an- ‘The Split Infinitive’ by John Dor- swer to the ultimate 50th Anniver- ney. sary celebration for Doctor Who. I thought nothing could top it but I This story featured Sylvester McCoy was incredibly wrong. However, as the Doctor, Sophie Aldred as enough with this pretence. Let’s get Ace, Simon Williams as Group Cap- on with the stories. tain Gilmore, Pamela Salem as Ra- chel Jensen, and Karen Gledhill as ‘Lies in Ruins’ by . Allison Williams.

This story featured Paul McGann as I was so delighted to see these the Doctor, Alex Kingston as Pro- classic characters return. UNIT be- fessor , Lisa Bowerman fore UNIT, Gilmore, Jensen, and as Professor , Williams made a grand return in this and Alexandria Riley as the Doc- story, with two timelines happening tor’s new companion, Ria. at the same time, one in the 70s, and one in the 80s. Confused? I’ve heard many renditions of the Don’t be. It was written so well, the Doctor Who theme before, but I had concurrent stories happening make yet to hear this version used in the perfect sense as one listens along. I ‘Time War’ series. It is amazing. loved Jensen and Williams in the Pure thunder, and filled with the television serial, two women who promise of something epic. The were pioneers for the Scientific Ad- people who create the main and visor position the Doctor would one incidental music for Big Finish bal- day fill. They haven’t lost their spark

76 in this story. turns, and is actually this Doctor’s in -real-life daughter. I love it! Hearing McCoy and Aldred together again took me to their onscreen is very like the future (tenth) time together. They sound the Doctor. She is overly excited about same. You could have told me this adventure, and spouts out all her was recorded in the 80s and I knowledge in very few breaths… would have believed you. while the (fifth) Doctor expresses confusion, and slight disdain. The Sacrifice of Jo Grant’ by Guy Adams. Peter Davison and Georgia Tennant work very well together here as you This story features Tim Treloar as would expect and this definitely the Doctor, Katy Manning as Jo adds to the story Grant/ Jones, Ingrid Oliver as Os- good, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart, and [REDACTED] as ‘The Avenues of Possibility’ by [REDACTED]. .

With a title like that, you know This story features Colin Baker as something is gonna tug at the the Doctor and India Fisher as Char- heartstrings, right? The relationship lotte Pollard. between Osgood and Jo Grant was amazing. Katy and Ingrid are a fan- I’m accustomed to Charlie being tastic duo. It was also nice to hear with Paul McGann’s Doctor, so it Jo Grant with Kate Stewart, as Jo was intriguing for me to hear her also knew the Brigadier. with Colin. This Doctor does not know that Charlie is a future com- But who is Tim Treloar? I was hon- panion of his too, and there was a estly surprised at his mimicry of Jon major reference to her time with the Pertwee. I felt it was slightly off at Eighth Doctor which made me times, but it was believable enough smile. Her adventures were my sec- for me to think, yeah, this is the ond foray into the world of Big Finish Third Doctor – especially when in- (after ‘Light at the End’). Now I want teracting with Jo. to hear more stories with India and Colin. They work incredibly well to- gether, and sound like the best of ‘Relative Time’ by Matt Fitton pals in the audios.

This story features Peter Davison ‘Collision Course’ by Guy Adams as the Doctor and Georgia Tennant as Jenny. This story features (prepare your- self) Tom Baker as the Doctor, Ah, the title makes much more Louise Jameson as , Lalla sense now, doesn’t it? Such a Ward as Romana AND later on in tease! The Doctor’s Daughter re- the story, Tim Trelor, Peter Davison,

77 years, with the same excitement and professionalism that make them who they are. I didn’t want ’The of Time’ to end. I want- ed to crawl inside that world, and live there.

To all involved with this project, I thank you. You took time, and care into crafting this adventure, and it showed. Happy Anniversary, Big Finish. Long may you reign.

There are two version of this play available; the standard and special editions. Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann as their respective To hear the trailer click here Doctors, Lisa Bowerman as Ber- nice Summerfield, [REDACTED] as To purchase the CD or download [REDACTED], [REDACTED] as version the standard edition from [REDACTED], and [REDACTED] Big Finish click here as [REDACTED]. To purchase the download of the Can you believe REDACTED is in Special Edition from Big Finish click it? I’m teasing you, I know, I’m terri- here ble, but discovery is all worth the listen, I promise. The standard version is also availa- ble to buy from Amazon UK—click Leela and Romana: I haven’t lis- here tened to the Gallifrey series yet, so this is the first time I’ve heard them together. Remember that concur- rent timeline from ‘The Split Infini- tive?’ Well, that sort of happens here too but in a different way, where both Leela and Romana travel with the Doctor. It was grand to hear Tom on audio again. His delivery is different on audio, but I quite like it, although to be fair, I like anything voiced by Tom.

Everyone is amazing in the con- cluding tale to this six-part story all playing their role as they have for

78 direction is also notable as it could have easily become an ‘impression fest’, rather than letting the actors just play the roles.

The basis for the play is the final confrontation between the Third I came to this, not knowing what to Doctor and the Master which of expect. I’ve not listened to a non- course, we never saw on TV owing Big Finish audio since the DWAS to Roger Delgado’s death. This of- Cosmic Fugues, remember those? fers plenty of scope for the writers, Anyway, I was a little unsure as I and I am looking forward to episode hit play. 2.

The audio opens with narration, I hope that future instalments live before getting into cast performanc- up to the standard started here. It is es. I am not generally a fan of nar- not perfect, but it is off to a damn ration; I would much rather have a good start. If you have an hour, give full cast production. Personal pref- it a listen, you may just be sur- erences aside, the narrator sounds prised, like I was. like he is purposefully putting on a deeper voice, I can only assume You can listen to the episode free- whoever it is, is doing another of-charge at You Tube by clicking voice in the audio and needs to dif- here. ferentiate between them. It would have helped to have a cast list or some production details to help support the play.

First episodes are always tricky, and this does well to introduce the listener to all the characters. Partic- ular note must be given to Marshall Tankersley for his 3rd Doctor, which is very good and certainly helps visualise in the mind's eye that particular era of the show. All the regular characters from season 11 are here, plus some others such as Corporal Bell.

The team from Black Glove Studio have obviously put a lot of time and effort into this first chapter from sound effects, to background music and of course performances. The

79 scripts, I quickly realised how much deeper I would have to dig into the story-telling. I wanted to delve into the world of Doctor Who, starting with the theme of conflict. After watching all the episodes related to war, I decided to focus on the epi- sode ‘Victory of the Daleks’ as my inspiration. I wanted to tell the story leading up to the episode, looking Additional content also by Thomas at the wartime aesthetics, why the Rickerby (director of sound) and British army would resort to using Saul Boyer (creative associate). the Daleks as weapons, and how

one officer tries to stop it. I felt that I was 7 years old, sitting on my so- the Ironside Daleks were such an fa, eagerly waiting for the next epi- original and interesting take on the sode of Doctor Who to start. The monsters and I wanted to explore story was the 'Spearhead from their deceptive personalities further. Space' and it was my first experi- When writing the Ironside script ence of watching the exiled time- and the next two in the trilogy, I lord and his companion fighting ter- wanted to ask questions like: ‘how rifying monsters. I was soon far should we go in the name of vic- hooked. After watching Jon tory?’, ‘how can we be selfless in Pertwee's run religiously, I was the face of conflict?’ and ‘how can hungry for more. That's when I we find compromise and peace stumbled across the audio stories when we have forgotten what we by Big Finish whilst in my local were fighting for?’ The process book shop. Now, 16 years later, I seemed challenging at first, as I have set up an Independent short had to learn a new way of writing film and audio production company and had to think with sound in that has been directly influenced by mind, rather than visuals. But after watching and listening to Doctor a lot of practise, I think I got the Who all those years ago. As a fan hang of the medium. and now a filmmaker, I wanted to pay homage to the most important After the first script was completed, show in my life by making a fan casting the characters was the next film. As I was writing my first Doctor step, which we did via voice audi- Who short film script, an old Big tions. Thomas Rickerby (director of Finish Audiobook started to play on sound) is now currently creating the my phone's playlist. I stopped typ- ‘project sessions’ for the dialogue ing, closed my screen-fried eyes recording, which will be used when and started to listen. It was then the actors come in for a day or two that I realised, I not only wanted to for a dry read through, along with pay tribute to the show but to the their actual recorded performances. audio adventures as well. These recorded sessions are then

edited by Thomas, who pieces to- When it came to writing the audio

80 gether the best takes of dialogue to Shot’ (which will follow Strax and create the finished performance. the Doctor finding out the cause of Next comes the most interesting the war between the ’s and part, the sound effects and music the Rutans). Finally, I am develop- that have to be added to support ing another trilogy of audio dramas the dialogue and set the scene for harking back to the Classic era of our stories. Once these elements the show, which will explore the are in place, the audio drama is theme of power (political, mystical then synced to an artwork visualis- and environmental). This will tie old- er, which adds slight movement to er villains and stories to modern so- the otherwise static artwork. Final- cio-political and environmental is- ly, the finished project will go sues that we face in modern society through a test audience who will that I hope fans can resonate with. listen and critique before final Big thanks to the Dr Who Apprecia- changes are made to it before it is tion Society and to my head of published on YouTube for the pub- sound Thomas Rickerby, whom lic and fans. without, none of this would be pos- sible. We have several audio drama shorts planned for release this If you want to keep up to date with year: premiering with 'The Iron- our Doctor Who fan productions, sides' (the prequel to Victory of the follow us at @dwarfstarvisuals. Daleks), which will be followed by Thank you for reading! ‘Saviour of the Daleks', (a sequel to 'Evil of the Daleks') and ‘The First

Artwork by Eli Hyder (@venamis).

81 into my local town, and so thought it might be worth making the journey and see what opportunities present- ed themselves.

On the evening of 22 May 2019, a As it happened, the next day was Facebook friend sent me a link to a beautifully sunny, and as I stepped news item concerning a two day out of my bookmaker, I saw the Doctor Who location shoot that was Gloucester bus drive by. It was a taking place at Gloucester Cathe- short jog to the stop, and although dral. This was quite unusual in that the driver was preparing to depart the press normally only report such as I reached it, he showed some a thing once it’s over, and yet here it pity, opened the doors, and allowed clearly said that recording would me to board. continue throughout the next day. About 45 minutes later the bus en- This left me with something of a di- tered Gloucester and I alighted near lemma. I knew from my past experi- the cathedral. In the distance I could ences working as an extra that this see a giant crane carrying what kind of thing can be pretty boring. It looked like a powerful Halogen usually involves a lot of waiting floodlight. I made my way to the around, followed by the same scene back of the cathedral and entered being acted out and recorded, over through the cloisters, thinking that, and over again. as they were filming in the nave, this route would get me as close as However, I did have a reason to go possible to the action.

82 Unfortunately, I was soon confront- spotted them! ed by a sign that read “Caution. Filming in progress. The producers Judoon? Nope, fans! Bunched to- and crew would like to apologise gether near a stone buttress. I iden- for any inconvenience caused dur- tified them mainly from their atten- ing the preparation/filming of this tive posture, but also the fact that production. We appreciate your co- one of them was wearing a grubby operation and thank you for your Seventh Doctor tank-top. patience.”

The sign was so large and well placed it was impossible to con- vincingly blunder into the nave by ‘accident’, let alone take any pho- tos, so instead I decided to retrace my steps and venture around the front of the cathedral to see what was happening there.

What I discovered first were vans, cranes, elevated platforms and a group of gaffers chatting to each other. There was also an over- enthusiastic security guard, who would rushed back and forth, telling startled pedestrians that they could not enter the cathedral, whether they intended to or not. Then I I decided to go over and find out what had been happening, but as I started to cross the road, I was hooted at by a car. I stepped back and was surprised to see Jodie Whittaker, in full costume, waving and smiling from the passenger seat. I snapped a photo with my tab- let, but only managed to get the back of her head. As it was 1.30pm it was clear she was being taken off somewhere for lunch.

A bunch of Judoon actors, minus heads, then trailed out of the side entrance, climbed into a minibus and scooted off in the same direc- tion.

83 the Judoon were there.

The common consensus was that Jodie would very probably do an- other ‘meet and greet’ on her return from lunch, and this was expected around 2.30pm; so I strolled off to do a bit of shopping, get a burger and possibly a pint, or three.

An hour later I returned. The fans were still there in the hot sun (I felt sorry for the large gentleman in the question mark tank-top), but no sign of Jodie. By three o’clock there was still no joy and I was, quite frankly, getting bored; so I left for home.

Arriving at the bus station, I was I approached a young woman wear- shocked to discover that the entire ing a Doctor Who tee-shirt, and building had been demolished. For- asked if anything interesting had tunately a passer-by kindly pointed happened earlier in the day. She me towards a brand new, glass and told me that there hadn’t been steel structure, thirty feet to my left, much to see, but that Jodie had and told me that this was the new come over before filming had be- station…. It just goes to show how gun, spoken with the fans and infrequently I visit Gloucester by posed for a number of selfies. She bus. wasn’t, however, giving out auto- graphs. I was further told that, alt- hough Jodie had been absent yes- terday, recording in the cloisters had continued until 8pm.

Another fan showed me some mo- bile phone footage she had taken that morning of Jodie at a distance, again dressed as the Doctor but with her braces dangling, while someone else kindly emailed me a photo of Jodie standing outside in the cathedral courtyard. “She’s very small,” I was told. “She can’t be more than five foot two!” I asked if any of the other regular cast had made an appearance, but everyone shook their heads. Only Jodie and Images © Alan Stevens 84 reflected in their own personality... The Corsair and the Doctor find themselves in a caged part of the Hoarder's collection. He has every- thing - jewels, clothes, people – you know, the usual stuff. The ‘something’ in volume 11 referred to These recent comic book releases above also finds itself in the Hoard- from Titan are lovely work. The er’s possession and the Doctor and characters have both exciting dia- the Corsair need to deal with this logue and very good imagery. too.

The latest volumes contain the Some of the conversations our character of ‘The Corsair’, previous- characters have are very exposi- ly alluded to in the television epi- tional. This can be annoying but the sode ‘The Doctor’s Wife’. This ver- story still moves quickly and the sion of the Corsair is great fun – Corsair gets a short character arc. she dresses like a pirate herself and Possibly as a consequence the has some very firm views on Gra- TARDIS team were not used ham’s chosen attire. much.

The Corsair takes the TARDIS team Overall, I enjoyed both volumes. to Radoplina, a planet with floating They are well written and well- cities, flying octopi, and beautiful drawn but in future volumes I would space mer-people. They are there, like to see the whole TARDIS crew apparently, to steal something out feature more. of a vault. This ‘something’ will not be what you think it is!

The beautiful artwork makes the pretty simple story come alive. The characters are written well although there are few surprises. The Corsair herself, a Time Lord living as a thief is a great jumping off point for many more stories, and we get one of those in volume 12.

Many authors get to make a new monster and in volume 12 we have a good one. The monster known as The Hoarder is the baddie in the comic book story and is very well drawn. You may guess from his name what it is that he actually does and some may find elements

85

86 Roberta Ingranata is also a very good artist. She has the ability to capture a person’s likeness without adding too much detail. And the way they both drew the creatures? Horrifying, yet sympathetic. Stott and Ingranata certainly know how to evoke emotions from the audi- ence through their art. Very well Volume 2 of the Thirteenth Doctor done. comic books from Titan collect to- gether issues 5—8. Colouring is also very important. Some comics come in black and The writing in the comic books dif- white, but coloured ones are more fers from the show and from other mainstream now-a-days, and helps media, and I mean that in the best set the mood for the scene. Writing way possible. Jody Houser, the and line art can certainly set the writer, not only knows the charac- mood, but when colour is added, ters, but knows the show in all it’s that’s when the scene is truly set. incarnations. In the comics, writers From creating a dark and moody can take inspiration from whenever, forest, to using warm tones to make and can mimic any writer they wish, a scene comforting, Angiolini knows to craft a story they want to see a how to make a scene truly pop. particular Doctor take part in. I found the last TV season very dif- I love Doctor Who novels and com- ferent from the others, but this com- ics. Writers get the chance to pro- ic was written in such a way that it duce stories in their own way and took elements from the new sea- the Thirteenth Doctor gets another son, while placing it in a more neu- round of adventures through Titan tral writing style that is more com- Comics, in brand new writing styles mon within Doctor Who. which, personally, I prefer over the televised version. The story was clever, very clever, and while I’m not the biggest fan of ‘Hidden Human History’ is a very the Doctor using “fam,” I must say I modern Doctor Who tale, perfect for enjoyed Thirteen more in this, than us in the here and now. I have in the show.

Art. Oh goodness the art. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Rachel Stott? No? Well, I love Ra- chel Stott. Her ability to flawlessly capture a person’s likeness is in- credible. She even got Whittaker’s scrunch face down perfectly in this comic!

87 88 89 Images © Titan. To visit Titan in the UK click here To buy from Amazon UK click here

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