Cydney, her eyes wide. She doesn’t FANS VICTORIOUS need to tell me what it looks like.

Editorial by Nick Smith ‘She made me a great one,’ says Bran- don cheerfully. ‘If it was colder, I’d be wearing it.’ Since we’ve been working in 40-degree heat, he’s smart to leave it at home. We smile and move on to anoth- er subject.

So, I’m thousands of miles from my birth town of Bristol with people I’ve only known for a few weeks and yet we have this connection, a TV show that seems as well-travelled as the TARDIS. From South Croydon, England to Cor- sicana, Texas, Doctor Who is in the zeit- I’m currently working as a Production geist, with fans everywhere Manager on a movie in East Texas. I say this, not to brag – I’m a glorified When DWAS Publications Officer Rik office boy with a walkie talkie – but Moran graciously asked me to become because Doctor Who helped bring me the new editor of Cosmic Masque, I here, instilling a passion in me for visu- looked forward to connecting with al storytelling, film and telly-making. some fellow Whovians and sharing my passion for the show. I did not know After a long day of filming, I’m eating that everyone I talked to for Cosmic pizza in Napoli’s, a downtown joint Masque would all have a deep connec- with a bar next door that’s also called tion to the show, whether it was excep- Napoli’s. I’m with the Wardrobe Super- tional cover creator Grahame Robert- visor, Assistant Camerawoman and a son, writer Jody Houser and artist Rob- couple more crew. The locals give us a erta Ingranata of Titan comics, or Court- glance or two but leave us be. I’ve got ney Jarrett, the Birmingham Game Mas- a TARDIS T-shirt on and the Associate ter of ‘A Dalek Awakens’. Producer Cydney says to her boyfriend Brandon, ‘look what he’s wearing.’ Her Rik describes Cosmic Masque as ‘about man Brandon, the movie’s Special being a fan.’ To me, that means a maga- Effects guy, holds up his keychain for zine that feels communal. Nerdy. Gen- me and the metal fob says he’s a Time erous. Gushing. Inclusive and goose- Lord. bumpy. All those feels crop up in this issue, which has an eclectic mix of ‘You should see Brandon’s scarf,’ says memoirs, reviews, interviews and fic-

1 2 tion. It has a transatlantic flavour, since that I could do the latter, and while the I’ve reached out to British and Ameri- CONTENTS Time Lord diagram of all the releases to come in can writers for their views on Who. the front of the comic still confuses me Victorious 1 Comic slightly, I’m happy in the knowledge, that the books, comics and audios will Although the Doctor’s new televised Review by Jordan Shortman do for me. adventures are in a holding pattern Time Lord Victori- right now, the contributors have plen- ous #1 Review 4 With Time Lord Victorious now finally Author Jodie Houser doesn’t keep us ty to write about. As fans, we can im- kicking off, despite a rocky start to the guessing what’s going to happen here merse ourselves in the multiplatform Discussing Who year and creator, James Goss’ fear that for very long, and although some marvel that is Time Lord Victorious; Podcast 6 it would be cancelled altogether knowledge of the previous Tenth Doc- read comics, revisit classic noveliza- thanks to COVID-19, Titan Comics have tor comic adventures will please long- tions and get stuck in escape rooms. The Black Archive: kicked off the Tenth Doctor’s role in term readers of Titan Comics, it The Robots of Death 9 the multi-media story with its first is- doesn’t mean that new readers will be confused. Rightly so, Houser keeps the Time Lord Victorious is the culmination Review sue of Time Lord Victorious with a sto- focus on events here, not what came of an incredible amount of work and ry called Defender of the Daleks. Time Lord Victori- 10 before, making the book instantly creativity. While it remains to be seen ous Panel I’ll admit, when I first saw the many readable to newcomers. whether all its threads will tie together releases for this new story, I was a successfully, Who-lovers everywhere Jody Houser & Rob- little credulous. Did it mean I would The Tenth Doctor wakes in the TARDIS will have fun finding out. I hope you erta Ingranata Inter- 12 have to buy everything to understand to find that he is alone and only he have fun reading this issue too, with or views what was going on or could I dip in and remembers the Time War. He quickly without a multicolour winter-warming out at my leisure? The good news is finds himself surrounded by Daleks scarf spooled around your neck. Time Lord Victori- 15 everywhere he goes including planets we’ve seen before in the comics as ous #2 Review well as what looks like Elizabethan Nick FICTION 18 England. When he finally stops run- ning, he poses the question, why has- COSMIC MASQUE XII A Wonderful Time 50 n’t he been exterminated. The follow- Editor: Nick Smith ing exchange leads to the Daleks say- Fiction Editor: Stephen Hatcher Time War 4 Review 51 ing they’ll destroy the TARDIS leads to one of my favourite lines from the Front Cover by Grahame Robertson A Dalek Awakens book where the Doctor warns them, if Layout by Paul Winter Interview 53 they do that, he’ll make the Time-War look like a tea party. Houser’s charac- Published by the Lytton #1 Review 56 terisation is so perfect that you don’t Doctor Who Appreciation Society doubt he couldn’t do it for a moment. 57 It’s the first of many brilliant moments All content is © For the love of Tar- relevant contributor/DWAS get for the Tenth Doctor here. No copyright infringement is intended No time is wasted in going to Skaro, CONTACT US: and artist Roberta Ingranata gives us an impressive visual of the Dalek city, DWAS, PO Box 1011, Horsham, RH12 9RZ, UK clearly based on the view Missy and or email: [email protected] Clara had in The Magician’s Appren- www.dwasonline .co.uk tice, but it’s a fantastic visual on its 3 3 4 not good exactly, but taking away their motivation to kill everything because Discussing Who they realise all of creation have a com- mon enemy. The Prime Strategist is Podcast urprisingly sassy for a Dalek too, add- ing to the great dynamic it has with the by Kyle Jones Doctor. And Houser puts in a nice trib- ute, intentionally or not, to the famous My name is Kyle Jones. I consider my- cliff-hanger from Episode 3 of Death to self a lifelong fan of Doctor Who hav- the Daleks, with something once again ing been introduced to the Doctor in on the floor. the mid-1970s. As with most in the US during that time, my introduction Like Houser’s excellent characterisa- came in the form of the Fourth Doctor tion, Ingranata draws a perfect Tenth and Sarah Jane Smith on the local PBS Doctor, effortlessly capturing his iconic station. Now, after all these years, look and putting him in a number of Doctor Who is still an important part of recognisable Tenth Doctor poses, my life with every Tuesday night de- which not only are fun to look at but voted to discussing Who! This is our also make you think about which epi- story. Welcome to Discussing Who: A sode some of the poses come from. Doctor Who podcast.

For me, the weakest part of this comic While they call me the showrunner, came from the realisation of the Hond. our virtual console would not be com- own and makes for a great double Which is a shame as Houser makes it life or as part of the Victorious event plete without both Clarence Brown page image. Also excellent is Ingran- feel like some massive threat, giving as a whole. and Lee Shackleford, both of whom ata’s design of the Tenth Doctor’s the Doctor a line about how it was a have been there since the first epi- TARDIS, complimented perfectly by myth to make children go to sleep. The Once again, Houser and her creative sode. I met Clarence Brown in the mid- the colouring from Enrica Eren Angio- final page sees the Hond finally real- team have excelled themselves, the art 2000s while working for the same lini, and one wonders if they took stills ised and it looks like a cross between and colouring never fails to leave me company while Lee Shackleford and I from the television series, the visuals Batman’s Clay-Face and Scooby Doo’s stunned, with the panel of Skaro look- connected in late 2014 when we be- are so good. Tar Monster. I wasn’t too impressed ing particularly beautiful. If you’re came co-hosts of Doctor Who: Pod- but this is its first appearance and I’ll looking for a way to get into the Victo- shock. Also brilliantly realised are the new reserve much judgement until I can rious event or the Titan Comics in gen- design for the Daleks who look like a see what it does in the second issue. eral, then Time Lord Victorious #1 is a Lee’s works include writing for stage, perfect cross between the classic and But even so, it’s a minor quibble for must! screen, and radio. He wrote and new era designs. And the Dalek Em- what is otherwise a great first issue. starred in an off-Broadway play, peror is a nice nostalgic look at Re- Images © Titan Holmes & Watson, and wrote for Star membrance of the Daleks while giving If you’ve never read any of Titan Com- Trek: The Next Generation. Lee teach- it a nice modern touch with the gold ics output, first of all, I’d say give them To visit Time Lord Victorious at Titan es theatre at the University of Alabama paintwork. For metal pepper-pots, a try, there are some great stories and to order a print or digital copy click Birmingham. His enjoyment of sci-fi Houser gives them some excellent there, especially those with the Classic here extends to comic books, general sci- characterisation too and Goss’ crea- Doctors, and Time Lord Victorious ence fiction, classic radio serials, and is tion of The Prime Strategist, who fills would be a brilliant place to start. It To view and to buy from Amazon UK, the creator/writer/producer/co-star of in the Doctor an interesting compan- doesn’t require any knowledge of what click here the Relativity sci-fi podcast. came before and can be enjoyed as a ion for this miniseries. It’s an inter- esting thing to do, making the Daleks, brief interlude in the Tenth Doctor’s Clarence began podcasting in 2008 as a

5 6 host of a technology and fandom pod- Discussing Network with the creation writer and production point of view. Our journey has introduced us to for- cast, Techpedition. He works as a pro- of Discussing Trek and then Discussing His career teaching and writing drama mer Doctors, companions, and fellow grammer and has, quite honestly, been Comics while devoting Discussing Who provide insight into the inner working Whovians who have become our our saving grace for technical aid on completely to Doctor Who. of how the show is created and pro- friends. We have grown individually several occasions. He plays the role of duced. Being more of a newcomer to and as a team, and our audience has Marcus DuPree, one of the central We are not experts. We get thing Doctor Who, I am willing to question been there with us along the way. characters of Relativity. His enjoyment wrong. We do not always agree, but things that other Whovians may take of sci-fi also extends to comic books, we always respect the other opinion. for granted, while also giving an unsul- Our goal has always been to produce general science fiction, Star Wars, and We bring different opinions, experienc- lied view on things both new and old. quality content that would be of value he is the creator/showrunner of Dis- es, and points of view to our reviews It is this variation of viewpoints that I to anyone listening. It makes it worth- cussing Trek: A Star Trek Podcast and and share a love for the character of feel makes our show unique. All said, it while to see reviews that say we are, co-creator of Discussing Comics: A the Doctor. We are fans just like you. just feels like I am sitting around a vir- ‘kind, funny guys and an utter joy to Comic Book, TV, and Movie Podcast. And, most importantly, we enjoy our tual table each week with very close listen to' or that, ‘each brings some- Clarence continues to co-host weekly discussions. friends, talking about a show that thing to the table and it’s easy to hear Techpedition. traverses both space and time, along they enjoy making the show as much According to Lee: with our hearts! as we enjoy listening.’ A listener sent Our story would be incomplete were I I look forward to every recording ses- an email this week ended with the fol- not to mention our frequent guest sion with Kyle and Clarence because I lowing: ‘I will continue listening to you host, Nicole Mazza, from Terminus: A love those guys and enjoy all the time guys and now you have an added lis- Doctor Who Podcast. we spend together, especially talking tener...my 1-month old daughter.’ about something we are all emotional- These are the reasons we continue Naming a podcast often serves as one ly invested in, one way or another. And discussing who. of – if not the – most difficult parts of I think that's what makes our show starting a new show. The phrase “Who unique: I hear other shows where the What is next for Discussing Who? As I or what will we be discussing next?” hosts seem to sort of ignore one an- say on the podcast: go out, watch the became the original tagline with early other (or worse, compete for micro- episode, because from this point for- episodes featuring comic books, sci- phone time), but I think the strength of ward...spoilers! ence fiction, and, of course, Doctor our show is in our deep interest in one Who. The first episode of Discussing another's opinions and experiences, To learn more about Discussing Who Who dropped on 07 March 2016. By and the fun that can come from com- visit www.discussingwho.com 2017, the concept morphed into the paring our different perspectives.

According to Clarence: As of this writing, I am putting the final What I enjoy most about Discussing changes on Episode 210, with Episode Who is the distinguished hosts I get to 211 waiting in the wings. So, after over do it with each week. As the new 200 episodes, what keeps us going? Whovian of the group, in both time- Future seasons not yet aired, past sea- watched and the incarnation of the sons and stories not yet reviewed, and show I most connect with, I always topics not yet discovered. The easy learn things both fascinating and in- answer would be to say the same rea- sightful from our resident Whostori- son we recorded our first episode: I ans, Kyle and Lee. Kyle supplies the enjoy talking about Doctor Who. I en- ultimate research angle, bringing his joy talking with Lee and Clarence and I profound love and joyous enthusiasm enjoy the special occasions when Ni- of the Doctor into the mix. Lee manag- cole joins our discussion. es to bring that same love, but from a

7 8 No story is created in a vacuum, and Finally, there’s a look at the influence The Black Archive: Doctor Who has always drawn inspira- this story had on future Doctor Who Time Lord tion from screen, literature, mytholo- adventures and beyond. Chris Boucher Robots of Death gy, politics, history and art. Robots would explore the characters and con- Victorious Panel have been a fascinating and fruitful cepts from The Robots of Death in his Review by Alice Dryden source of ethical conundrums since the later writing for Blake’s 7 and Star at the SDCC concept was invented, and this was far Cops, his sequel novel Doctor Who: It was only after I’d agreed to review from their first appearance in Doctor Corpse Marker, and the audio CD Kal- Review by Nick Smith Fiona Moore’s Black Archive: The Ro- Who, but the Dums, Vocs and Super- dor City: Death's Head. Meanwhile bots of Death that I realised I hadn’t Vocs are among the most striking and other writers sojourned on Kaldor for In ‘The Waters Of Mars’, The Doctor actually seen The Robots of Death. memorable examples in the series, comic strips and audio adventures. breaks the laws of time with tragic re- Very bad fanning, there. Luckily my thanks to their design and the way in sults. ‘Time Lord Victorious’ takes flatmate had a copy, and we enjoyed it which they’re used. The most obvious I’m not especially dedicated to Doctor Ten’s hubris and runs with it, making a over a Friday night pizza. influence here is Asimov, with his Who output beyond the small screen, long intuitive leap over the course of Three Laws and his positronic brains, but I was impressed by the story’s far- 12 weeks, building into an epic event. I love a good robot story, and I was but a whole army of fictional artificial reaching legacy, the questions it keeps Comics. Novels. Figurines. Audios. An instantly captivated by the Art Deco intelligence, from the 1920s’ Metropo- on inspiring and the affection in which immersive experience. ‘Time Lord Vic- setting and the costumes bizarrely or- lis and RUR onwards, have left their it’s held by creators as well as fans. torious’ is a five-headed (at least) mon- nate for the crew of a mining vessel, as mark on the story too. Meanwhile, the Given how many writers of post-2005 ster that is hard to track. To help, an well as the nods to Asimov. The story Art Deco styling of robots and mining Doctor Who are also fans, it’s not sur- introductory panel was held at this has plenty of elements that stand out craft, plus the mix of races and classes prising that the themes explored in year’s San Diego Comic-Con, describing as unusual for Doctor Who, and all aboard, aren’t just window dressing, The Robots of Death have also re- ‘Time Lord Victorious’ as ‘the BBC's these are covered in the accompanying but statements in their own right. curred in adventures from the last brand-new, multi-platform Doctor Black Archive. fifteen years. Who story told across comics, novels, audio, vinyl and digital!’ Despite the Moore first places the story in the wid- This was also my first time reading a hyperbole, the panel was positive and er context of late-1970s television Black Archive, and before I embarked was not presented as a money-making (including Royal Flying Corps saga on it I wondered how so much could scheme. The participants, mostly from Wings, which I’m also enjoying at the be found to say about a single four- Titan Entertainment, really seemed to moment) and the careers of the per- part Doctor Who adventure that first care about Doctor Who. sonnel involved. Producer Philip aired six months before I was born. I Hinchcliffe was approaching the end of soon found that a deep dive into the TLV focuses on the Eighth, Ninth and his tenure, while writer Chris Boucher background of the story, and the fu- Tenth Doctors. There’s a danger of was young and hungry. Tom Baker is a ture works it would inspire, made me getting stuck in the past when the cur- Doctor thoroughly settled in the TAR- appreciate The Robots of Death that rent show is trying so hard to be fresh DIS, but this is only the second outing much more. and new, but with the Thirteenth Doc- for Louise Jameson as Leela. tor in Space Prison right now, this placeholder story doesn’t contradict However, that’s just one set of factors Visit ‘The Black Archive’ here anything going on in the ‘present.’ (She to shape The Robots of Death, and is acknowledged in the Titan comics, much of the book is taken up with ex- Buy ‘The Robots of Death’ from Ob- thanks to a time paradox). Much as we amining the rest. Changes took place verse Books by clicking here. enjoy previous Doctor stories with this from rehearsal script to final version as many manufacturers involved, it would circumstances offered challenges and Buy ‘The Robots of Death’ from Ama- be great to see what they could do to the cast brought ideas and opinions of zon UK here move Who forward, instead of looking their own to the table. backward.

9 10 “It’s a new way to enjoy Doctor Who” Goss thought TLV would be cancelled, ics with the Kickstarter anthology said Andrew Sumner, the extremely a shame since he hinted that it had Titan Comics ‘Womanthology’. It was my first pub- enthusiastic Executive Vice President been gestating for years. But the licen- lished work, over eight years ago now. of Titan Entertainment, whose favour- sees found a way to stay connected Interview ite word is “fantastic!”. The BBC creat- and carry on. “The project has been CM: What’s one thing you’ve learned ed the project and had a title, but not good during lockdown,” Goss said. “It Writer—Jody Houser from working with Roberta and Enrica? much more. All the enthusiastic licen- was a way to stay creative until regular sees (there are at least 10 different ventures were up and running again.” Cosmic Masque: I can’t keep track of JH: Roberta and Enrica are an amazing publishers/platforms) ran with this Finding a way to keep the story flow- all the comics you’ve written for! How team. I love that I can throw out weird nebulous concept, thinking outside the ing, especially with virus-related de- do you juggle all the different proper- sci-fi planets and creatures in the script box about how the saga could be told. lays, has been a challenge especially ties and keep track of all the characters and they always make it work. And all For example, could a yarn be spun on a for ‘Time Fracture,’ the immersive the- and situations? of the different worlds we've seen T-shirt? ater portion of TLV. But the creators have their own flavour thanks to them. have been determined to make it Jody Houser: I had to get good at mul- work, incorporating a new alien race titasking when I was getting my MFA in CM: When you ‘see’ the story in your along with the Doctor’s old moral di- creative writing--I was generally taking head, do you see Roberta’s style? lemma – should he be a watcher, or a a 150% class load. When jumping from time meddler? project to project, having good notes JH: I tend to visualize comics pages and outlines helps a lot. And if you're more as roughs or layouts in my head For all the hoop-la, expect traditional ever unsure of voice, watching or read- when writing, than seeing the final art. storytelling albeit on a grand scale. As ing a bit to refamiliarize yourself with Every artist will do something different Titan editor Jake Devine summarized, how the characters talk is key. than what you're imagining (generally “Time Lord Victorious boils down to a far better), so I try not to become too Doctor versus the Daleks story.” CM: You’ve written various - tie ins and wedded to some sort of final idea of superhero comics with characters that the art in my own head. That's not my You can watch the Time Lord Victori- are already established. How much to job as the writer. ous panel by clicking here. do you focus on what has gone before, and how much do you just go with CM: Time Lord Victorious has been The official trailer for Time Lord Victo- wherever the characters take you? hyped up since February. Feeling any rious can be viewed here. Does the ‘backstory’ make it easier or pressure? harder for you to write? JH: One of the nice things about big JH: One of the main goals when work- multi-platform stories like this is there ing with a property owned by someone are so many creative minds working on else is to make sure that the work the different pieces. I think that helps you're doing fits into the bigger picture keep it from feeling like the pressure is of the plans for the character/ all on you. “This is such a huge story,” said Titan characters. So I do concern myself with comic book writer Jody Houser. “We the backstory, as well as where the CM: What do you hope to achieve with get to tell the story that works best in characters are headed next, as far as I the Time Lord Victorious comic? comics… a piece of a bigger story.” may know. She’s done a good job of appealing to a JH: I hope that it will work equally well wide audience with writing that is ac- CM: How did you break into the comics as a stand-alone story and part of the cessible and not too complex. ‘big league’? larger event.

During lockdown, BBC producer James JH: I got my start in professional com- CM: Time Lord Victorious is only 2 is-

11 12 sues long. Who decided this? Do you lasting for months and crossing differ- just different.” How does that point of wish it could be longer so you could Titan Comics ent media. Being aware of this epic view affect your Doctor Who comics? develop the characters and situation? quality, did you approach it differently Is it weird leaving that to other crea- Interview from other comics? RI: Each person's point of view is differ- tors (in other media)? ent, sometimes the point of view be- Artist—Robert Ingranata RI: I knew the project was very im- tween a man and a woman is different JH: Each of the issues is super-sized, so portant, but I tried to do my best as in too. As I said, this does not mean that overall it's really the same page count Cosmic Masque: The theme of Cosmic all other projects. It was very satisfying the female point of view is better, but to a four-issue story. That makes it the Masque is 'about being a fan.' Why do for me, especially with the presence of it is different. To draw a woman, some- same length as the other Doctor Who you like Doctor Who? What attracts The Tenth Doctor and the Daleks! times you need a woman's sensitivity. stories I've done. you? Although I know many male artists CM: What was it like drawing all those with enormous sensitivity and ability CM: You’ve described yourself as a RPG Roberta Ingranata: The unpredictabil- Daleks? So many bumps … to draw women. addict. Have you tried the Doctor Who ity of the series! And the fact that it fits RPG? into so many genres. It can be science- RI: I have my secrets! CM: Being a comic book artist is hard fiction, a thriller, a detective story, hor- work! How do you stay motivated? JH: I have! I was actually on a ror, historical, emotional, romantic. CM: You’ve collaborated a lot with livestream Doctor Who RPG show Doctor Who manages to be all in one Jody Houser. What is your working re- RI: With a great pre-established rou- called Eric's TBD RPG on Geek & Sun- series, and I love that! lationship like? tine! And a lot, a lot, of professional- dry before I ever worked on the Doctor ism. I have very strict work schedules Who comics. It's a really fun system, CM: Are there particular Doctor Who RI: Great! I love Jody as a person and every day, and I am committed to re- and I love how the combat very much TV episodes that have inspired you vis- as a professional, working with her is specting them. Then in life I am a dis- mirrors the feel of the show. ually? always wonderful. I feel great affinity aster (LOL), late and messy, but at with her stories, I think it is for this work I am very methodical. I believe CM: What next for you? RI: Many, especially when there are reason that I have no difficulty in draw- that a good organization helps the similarities with the comics. For exam- ing them. work, combined with a lot of passion. JH: Coming out this fall are Doctor ple, for the story with the "Weeping Who Comic, Stranger Things: Summer Angels" I looked at the episode (Blink) CM: Creating a visual world must be CM: What are your favourite tech- Camp, and Stranger Things and Dun- over and over again (it's always a challenging. Do you prefer real-life niques? Your favourite tool (such as geons & Dragons. pleasure) to grasp the atmosphere, the settings, such as present-day New York pencil or brush)? shots, the details. and historical backdrops, or more fan- tastical ones? RI: I prefer digital to work, but when I CM: With only two seasons of the Thir- dedicate myself to traditional drawing I teenth Doctor, the reference material RI: They are two very different things, certainly prefer the pencil. is limited for you - how do you get a realistic environment gives you many around that? references, while an imaginative one ... CM: Any favourite artists at the mo- you can invent more! I like them both, ment? RI: I'm not sure it's limited, I find a lot but on Doctor Who I have both op- of references, especially watching the tions. Draw today's London on page RI: Lots! Difficult to make a list. It's like episodes. It is thanks to the episodes one and maybe on page 20 you draw a music, it depends on the period, lately (and therefore to the screenshots) that world made only of candy! I've been watching Rafael Albuquerque I manage to have a very large archive, a lot, I love his work. especially of expressions. I have jig and CM: Speaking about Witchblade you jig of RAM occupied by many folders! said, “as a woman and artist, I think CM: Comic book art and fine art are View more about Titan’s Doctor Who that we can do something new in seen as very different. Why do you range by clicking here. CM: Time Lord Victorious is epic, Witchblade's perspective. Not better, think the 'gap' isn't as big in Italy?

13 14 Roberta Ingranata Time Lord Victorious 2 Comic

Review by Nick Smith Titan’s Doctor Who comics are con- sistent. Crack open the cover and you’ll get sturdy writing, elegant art, references to previous adventures and a double shot of humour. That goes for the Time Lord Victorious (very) mini- series, which runs for two bumper is- sues.

RI: Because in Italy, unfortunately, the idea that comics are dedicated to "kids" still wins, that it is a childish thing. It is not regarded as in England, America or France. I hope that time will close this gap. The story’s goopy alien enemy, the This is a simple story that definitely CM: What’s next for you? Hond, want to destroy all life – includ- feels like an episode of Doctor Who, ing Dalek life – because ‘life hurts. although it does rely on Tenth-isms a RI: We will see you again on Doctor When all life dies, all pain dies.’ Since little too often (at one point he’s so Who in 2021! the Hond seem to be made of primor- sorry; at another, he really is good!). dial yuck, the Daleks can’t just extermi- Nevertheless, catchphrases like ‘alons- nate them. They ask for the Doctor’s y!’ help the Tenth Doctor’s voice to help and he rarely lets them forget it. resound through the pages.

Roberta Ingranata draws innumerable # 2 pulls its weight tremendously, fo- Daleks, depicts a withered Skaro and cusing on a battle of wits between two keeps the comic visually interesting strange bedfellows, the Doctor and the with multiple angles of the Doctor, Daleks. It gets a rock solid 8/10. who has a smooth, recognizable face with a smattering of manga to it. In- To view and buy Time Lord Victorious granata captures David Tennant’s ex- from Titan please click here pressions while giving the look her # 1 is a slow burn set-up, mostly a con- own modern edge. The most striking To buy from Amazon UK please click versation between the Tenth Doctor image is that of the Strategist, its cas- here and the Dalek Emperor, followed by a ing torn open with one ugly eye look- conversation between the Tenth Doc- ing out. Writer Jody Houser imbues the The comic comes with three different tor and the Dalek Strategist. So, issue 2 Strategist with character but doesn’t cover illustrations. Two are shown has to do the heavy lifting of providing make it too likeable – it’s still a Dalek, here and all can be viewed at the Titan us with thrills, threats and the Doctor Click here to review Roberta’s work at Titan after all. website. being clever.

15 16

cinema, they find themselves faced From the Land of with an old enemy.

Fiction Simon Horton is someone else who hasn’t written for us before. His Past Editorial by Stephen Hatcher Imperfect is a Fourth Doctor story with Welcome once more to the fiction sec- Leela and K9, in which our heroes be- tion of Cosmic Masque. It’s been a come embroiled in a time paradox, great pleasure over recent months to with potentially deadly consequences. receive story submissions from a num- Finally, I am delighted to introduce the ber of new writers (at least to us). first published work by Katherine Ioffe. Whether that is a result of our regular Katherine is a young Doctor Who fan appeals for contributions; or because from the USA, who wrote to the Socie- the varying degrees of lockdown have ty asking advice about how to set up a given potential writers the time to put local fan group. In her story Dalek their ideas into story form; I am not Who, one of the most evil creatures in sure - perhaps it is a combination of the Universe becomes confused as to factors. In any case, the result is a who and what it is and sets out to do number of interesting stories in this good in its own special way. It’s a and subsequent issues. smashing story which shows that Kath- erine has lots of talent. We wish her So, to those stories. I am delighted to luck with both her Doctor Who group be able to present new contributions and her writing. from two of the strongest of our regu- lar writers, Trinah Eke, whose previous As always, I’ll end by reminding you contributions were in CM VIII and CM that we want your stories. Send us X; and Gary Merchant whose most re- your ideas or completed tales, to the cent story was in CM IX. email address at the front of this issue and your work will be considered for In Evolved, Trinah takes us to a planet, inclusion. Send us previously un- where the Fourth Doctor and Leela published stories, featuring the Doctor, meet human colonists who are faced his/her friends and enemies or gener- with the consequences of meddling in ally set in the Doctor Who Universe. It the development of an indigenous spe- doesn’t matter how much writing ex- cies. perience you have; I will work with you to tell your story. Cosmic Masque is Gary’s story Communication Break- your magazine and this is your chance down introduces us to a marriage guid- to see your story in print ance counsellor, who is trying to help a most unconventional couple. I do hope you will enjoy this issue’s stories. We’ll be back with more be- The Peril of the Picture House is Thom- fore too long – perhaps with your story as Beech’s first story for Cosmic included. Masque and features the Third Doctor and Jo Grant. When they investigate Steve strange goings-on in an abandoned 18 17 18 good Marriage Guidance Counsellor, “Anyway, the next time I saw him was months after he left, with some kid in Fiction: having steered many couples through in the car park. He said he needed my tow. And before I knew it, he left some hard times, this was proving to help, but I didn’t recognise him at all.” again. With her.” Communication be somewhat of an uphill struggle. Her partner chipped in. “It’s amazing what a night’s rest can do for you. I felt I’m supposed to be a neutral party in Breakdown In an effort to move things on, I turned invigorated, but with no real memory these situations, yet I couldn’t help but to the man. “I understand your line of of who I was or what had happened to take a dim view of this. “You do seem By Gary Merchant work results in a lot of travelling for me.” to be away for extremely long peri- you.” ods,” I said to the man. “I can under- Extract from the dairy of Mr A. E. How- “Doesn’t it just,” the woman muttered. I was curious. This had been glossed stand why your wife…” ard, a noted counsellor on Marriage I chose not to comment. over before and seemed to be a real “We’re not married,” they said in Guidance. “I do travel quite a bit,” he admitted. stumbling block for them both. “Do unison. “My work takes me to quite a few out- you mean to say you had blanked out This was, to say the least, a surprise. I hadn’t been sure what to make of of-the-way places.” the memory of what had happened to Certainly, there had been no indication them at first. It had been two weeks “And you’re a Doctor, is that right?” you in the operating theatre?” of this in their previous sessions. I since they had first made the initial “Not in the medical sense,” came the They seemed uncomfortable talking looked from one to the other, stunned. appointment, and in that time, we did- reply, “but I like to think I make things about this. “We can explain that later,” “I beg your pardon; I had assumed you n’t seem to have made much progress. better than they were.” the man eventually replied. “Anyway, were husband and wife.” The couple were talkative enough – at “Oh, play the sympathy card, why after a few misunderstandings, we The man spoke. “We, ah… have an un- times it was hard to get a word in. don’t you,” the woman sighed. “I let properly got together the next even- derstanding. That’s the phrase, isn’t it, There was certainly no lack of commu- him out of my sight for one minute, ing. And after an eventful night…” Grace?” nication on their part. It was just that and he went off in that… contraption “He left,” she finished for him. “I ask “Something like that,” she agreed they couldn’t seem to agree. And this of his, without even a forwarding ad- him to stay with me, and he turns me quickly. day was no different. dress.” down, the nerve of him! He just turned He turned to his partner. “That was around and walked out of my life for Recovering from my momentary con- I tried again. For the umpteenth time. hardly possible. And if you remember, I the next few years.” fusion, I addressed the couple. “Well, “Is there any way for us to reach some did offer to take you with me.” “But I came back,” he insisted. “I’m from whatever basis this understand- kind of compromise?” “Ah, yes.” I was referring back to notes here now, aren’t I?” ing operates, it doesn’t seem to be She glared at me, as if amazed that I’d from a previous session. “Now, I be- “Only because it suits you,” she working, does it?” The two of them dared make such a suggestion. “Hah! lieve that relates to your first meeting. snapped, turning back to me. “He went were taken aback by my outburst – You might be able to, but we sure as Why don’t you tell me about that?” away for God knows how long, and and I must confess the words were out hell can’t.” He looked down at his shoes. “I don’t then he turns up outside my house, as of my mouth before I could stop my- The man sitting next to her tried to really remember anything about that.” if nothing had happened.” self. After all, one must have a sense of ease the situation. “The poor man is “Well, you were on an operating table The man protested. “Nothing did hap- detachment in these matters, but as only trying to help.” at the time,” she reminded him. “He’d pen – not the way you mean, anyway.” the session had gone on this had be- She rounded on her partner. “Oh, been shot,” she explained. “I was on come more difficult to maintain. I that’s right. Take his side.” call at the hospital, so it was down to I picked up on this. “You believed he found myself breathing rather heavily “I’m not taking anyone’s side.” me to get the bullets out.” had been unfaithful?” as I tried to remain objective. “Have “Well, you sure aren’t helping.” “After which, you nearly ended up kill- She let out a short laugh. “He sure had either of you ever considered mar- ing me all by yourself.” the opportunity.” riage?” This was how things had been since She shot him a look of contempt. “That “And I swear to you,” he told her. “You mean, to each other?” their first visit to my offices. Barely a wasn’t my fault. I hardly knew you at “Nothing happened.” “That was the general idea,” I suggest- sentence passed between them with- the time.” “And how do I know you won’t disap- ed. out some barbed comment being “That’s true,” he noted. pear the minute my back’s turned? They both stared at me in shock, uttered. And while I’ve been, in the “Anyway.” She paused, before continu- This isn’t the first time, you know,” she looked at each other, and then back main, relatively successful on being a ing, as if daring him to interrupt her. said to me. “He came back a few again. This was clearly something that

19 20 had not been on the agenda. The man “We just wanted to see how it would now. “He’s rambling,” I heard the man say. shook his head. “It wouldn’t work.” be if we didn’t get along for once.” The With everything else that had hap- “Grace, you try. You understand hu- She seemed to hastily agree on this woman smiled at her partner. “We’ve pened recently, this was the last straw. mans better than I do.” I think I must point. “He’s a doctor – well, you knew never had a cross word, not really.” I looked to the drinks cabinet. I'm not have misheard that last sentence. Not that. I mean, we’re both doctors. And “Then why…?” normally one to indulge during the that it mattered. marriage… well, it just wouldn’t be “Well, we felt we couldn’t rationalise day, but at that moment I didn’t really practical.” anything sensibly unless we had a ref- care. Right at that moment I needed a The woman sat opposite me so that “For either of us,” the man added. eree of sorts. Like yourself,” the man drink. A scotch would do. Neat. we faced each other. She studied my offered a winning smile. “And you’ve face for a moment before speaking. This was becoming impossible. I could been a great help to us both. It’s been As I raised the glass to my lips, the “Why don’t you start at the begin- see no further way forward, despite a fascinating piece of research.” door to my office opened unexpected- ning?” she suggested. my best efforts. “Then why are you “Research? Really?” I felt my voice ly, and the head of the man popped both here?” I exclaimed. crack. “In other words, you’ve been through the gap. “Sorry about earlier,” I let the words tumble out. The prob- “Well…” the wasting my time for the past two he said. “I think we might have over- lems I’d had trying to juggle work and man hesitated. “That’s a good ques- weeks - playacting just for the sake of stepped the mark.” home life, and the resulting troubles in tion. Why are we here, Grace?” a foolish test?!” my personal life. I had tried to make “Well, it was your idea,” she replied. “Oh, don’t worry,” the man reassured Something snapped inside me. The things work and had kept things “Was it?” he asked, uncertain. him. “We’ll be sure to give you an hon- man ducked as a full glass of scotch bottled up inside. I had reasoned that, “Sure. Don’t you remember?” She said. ourable mention in the next issue of slammed against the door, the glass if I could help other couples, then it “We’d been at the movies for the The Lancet.” shattering under the impact. I barely should follow that my own should be evening, and when we got back we took all of this in as I stared numbly at just as straightforward. Except it had- had this argument, and you said…” “I, um… I don’t think that’s what he what I had just done. After a moment I n’t worked out that way. He snapped his fingers, remembering. means, Doctor.” The woman must was vaguely aware of the man leading “That’s right. I said that if we’d be- have seen the look of distress on my me to the nearest chair, talking in I’m not sure if I explained all this as haved like that other couple, we’d face. “We might just have outstayed hushed tones as he sat me down. clearly then as I’ve written it now, but soon be in need of help ourselves.” our welcome.” “Grace,” he called out. “I think you’d some of it must have made a sort of The situation was spiralling out of my “You think so?” He looked from the better come in.” sense to the couple. “When was the control. “Excuse me,” I persevered. woman and then to me. “Ah. I think last time you did something unex- “What other couple?” you may be right, Grace. Perhaps we I looked up as the woman entered. The pected?” the woman asked. “The couple in the film,” the man said, should make our excuses and leave.” look of concern that they both shared “You mean, apart from throwing that as if it was the obvious answer. “What “Forget the excuses,” she said, pushing did little to raise my spirits as she loos- glass?” I found a grim humour there. was the name of it, Grace?” him toward the door. “Let’s just ened my tie and undid my shirt collar. “Not for a long time. My wife and I “When Harry Met Sally,” she reminded leave.” Why should they care about someone have a good relationship. She has her him. “Jeez, your memory…” like me? interests, and I have my work.” I watched them, stony-faced, as the “But isn’t that a contradiction?” the “Let me see if I have this correct.” I door closed behind the couple. Only “Did we do this to him?” she asked as man wondered. “It sounds as though stammered. “For the past two weeks I then did I fall back in my chair, passing she took my pulse. your work has become your whole life, have been attempting to counsel you a shaking hand across my brow. A stu- “We might have acted as the trigger, when it should only be a part of it.” both in an effort to get to the root of pid test, that was all it had been about. certainly,” the man replied. “Perhaps The woman seemed to agree with this. your problems, only to learn today And I felt humiliated, made to look a there’s some underlying cause.” He “Aren’t there any interests that you that they were centred around a film?” fool. I would probably be the butt of addressed me directly. “How long have and your wife could do together?” I “Problems?” Realisation dawned as their jokes for some time. Oh, I like a you been like this?” had to confess that I had no answer to the man’s face broke into a smile. “Oh, joke as much as the next man, but this My head was still spinning. “I’ve tried, I this. I simply didn't know. that. No, that was just an experiment.” had been too much. To have my place really have. But it just doesn’t seem to “This isn’t really my field,” the man I was now beside myself. “An experi- of work invaded by two people who be enough. I just can’t hold it together stressed, “but I assume you still love ment?” were probably laughing at me even anymore.” each other?”

21 22 “Well, yes,” I said. “That goes without the knowledge that it wasn’t too late Universe by caring for the wounded, saying.” to try again and learn from the mis- Fiction: and that was good. “Ah, but does it? When was the last takes I had made. time you told your wife that you loved Dalek Who? And lying there on its side in the her?” And since that day, more than a year wreckage of a fallen building was a I looked at them both. “Does that ago, my life has indeed changed for by Katherine Ioffe bruised and battered Dalek. The Doc- matter?” the better. Eleanor and I spend more tor-Dalek found himself filled with in- time together, and we found we did The Doctor was regenerating. tense hatred of the thing. The Doctor The woman took my hands in hers. “I have mutual interests in history and should help to protect the universe think you have some way to go if you nature. It took some time for me to get The silly old man in the bowtie was sur- from these evil creatures. have to ask. As the Doctor says, ro- the balance between work and home rounded by Dalek ships, in a town mance isn’t really his thing – well, not exactly right, but it has been well called Christmas on the planet Tren- The wounded Dalek said, “You are a usually. But he is right. You need to worth the effort. zalore. He stretched his arms out and Dalek. You will assist me”. stop letting your work take over your let the regeneration energy blaze. life, and maybe focus on what’s really “No,” the Doctor-Dalek replied curtly. I often wonder about the Doctor and “I’m from Gallifrey, boys!” he shouted important.” Grace, and how their lives may have triumphantly at his Dalek attackers, “You are a Dalek. We are the same. changed. Thinking back, I can see that each Dalek ship exploding in the sky, You will assist me.” the wounded Dalek The three of us talked until late into while they were close, they were not a one by one. replied. the evening, having cancelled all other couple – at least, not in the traditional appointments for that day. I have to sense of the word. But their bond of But there was one Dalek, one Dalek “No,” the Doctor-Dalek spat with admit that it was the first time I had friendship was clear, and whatever life who was not completely destroyed. seething contempt, “I will assist go-od! ever been so open with anyone. Usual- has in store for them, I am certain that This Dalek was hit by regeneration en- You my en-emy!” ly it was I who would be addressing bond will never be broken. ergy, and absorbed it. But the Dalek other people’s relationships. This time absorbed more than regeneration ener- “No,” the wounded Dalek said, “I am I had to look at my own situation, and gy; it absorbed the Doctor’s personali- like you. We are the superior life-form. whether it was worth saving. Extract ends. ty. “I am a Dalek!” said the Dalek with We will exterminate all non-Daleks!” reasonable certainty, as it began to feel During our long conversation, there the onset of change. It felt a terrible, “No!” the Doctor-Dalek replied, “You were issues raised that I hadn’t even horrible sensation within itself. “I am a are my en-emy! You are evil! I am not mentioned to my wife. My dear Elea- Dalek!” the Dalek repeated, as if to re- a Dalek! I am not a Dalek!” nor, who must have wondered where I assure itself. But it knew it wasn’t true. was. Normally I would have been It continued with increasing uncertain- “Then what are you?” asked the home by this time, but I had much to ty, “I am a Dalek! I am a Dalek! I am…” wounded Dalek. “I am your en-emy!” ponder over. I had allowed myself to Now the regeneration had taken full said the Doctor-Dalek. “You will be ex- become so wrapped up in other peo- effect, bursting into a beautiful orange terminated!” ple’s problems, to the point where fire,“ I am... the Doc-tor!” they overtook my own. I had let my “What are you?” repeated the wound- own life take second place. ed Dalek, a trace of confusion, fear even, seeping into its modulated voice. By the time the Doctor – he never told The Dalek wandered across the burn- me his name – and Grace bade their ing, rubble filled battlefield, looking for “I am…” the Doctor-Dalek said, becom- farewells, I felt a sense of release, as the wounded; looking for a way to be ing hysterical with hatred, “I am the though a heavy burden had been lifted good. He was the Doctor, and the Doc- Doc-tor! You will be exterminated!” from my shoulders. Through their tor was good. The Doctor should go And with that, the Doctor-Dalek shot words of encouragement, they had across the battlefield, and find the the wounded Dalek, turning it into ash. given me a fresh outlook on life, and wounded. The Doctor would help the The Doctor-Dalek continued to glide across the battlefield.

23 24 There was a wounded woman, a civil- “What will you do, then?” asked the The Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS, design, none of it will ever let you do ian, trapped beneath rubble and bro- wounded woman, becoming increas- his eyebrows knitted in an expression anything other than kill. If you contin- ken stones. She was crying, and horribly ingly confused and frustrated. of outrage and fury. “Rusty!” the Doc- ue, you’ll cause destruction and death wounded, but she was trying to pull tor said. “May I call you Rusty? I met a wherever you go. You won’t see the herself out of the wreckage. If it had “I will assist you.” the Doctor-Dalek Dalek once like you, and I called him evil or pain that you inflict. Because been a Dalek, the Doctor-Dalek would said. Rusty.” you’ll never believe that you’re any- have exterminated the inferior life form thing but right and good.” on sight. But he was the Doctor now. “How?” asked the wounded woman, “I am the Doc-tor!” said the Doctor- He was good. For the first time, the still trying to pull herself out of the Dalek. “Why?” asked the Doctor-Dalek once Doctor-Dalek felt something other than wreckage. more, but this time it had ceased to be hate. He felt, he felt...what did he feel? “No, Rusty! You really are not!” the a question and had become desperate The Doctor-Dalek did not know this “You are in pain. You are suffering. You Doctor said sternly. “and you never will denial. “You are good. Why… can’t… I… feeling, but it compelled him to ap- cannot be repaired.” said the Doctor- be. You never, ever, ever will be. be… good?” proach. Dalek. “I am the Doc-tor! I have done good!” The Doctor’s expression softened. He “No!” the woman screamed in terror, “If you’re not going to do anything,” the Doctor-Dalek replied. knelt down and drew himself closer to “No!” pleaded the wounded woman, “Then the Dalek, “If you really are me...If you at least call someone! Please!” “Is that really so?” said the Doctor qui- are me then you know that there is The Doctor-Dalek felt pain at this reac- etly, the rage and fury bubbling quietly one thing you can do. There is one “I will assist you,” the Doctor-Dalek tion.“ I will assist you. You are a friend.” beneath the surface. “Because, I heard good thing you can do. What is the one said. The Doctor-Dalek aimed its weap- what you’ve been doing here, this little thing that you hate most? Who is the on at the wounded woman. “Stay away, Dalek!” screamed the charade. And I have arrived too late it most dangerous being in the universe? woman, desperately throwing bits of seems.” he gestured to the ashes on “No!” she begged in terror. “No Harness that hate without hope; with- stone and rubble at him. the battlefield. “And you did it in my out witness; without reward.” The please! I have a family! I have chil- name! My name Rusty, not yours! Be- dren!” Doctor stood up, and looked down at “I will assist you. I am the Doc-tor.” said cause, last time I checked, enemy or the Dalek, “What can you sacrifice, the Doctor-Dalek. friend, KILLING IS NOT GOOD!” “I show kindness.” the Doctor-Dalek Doctor?” “No! You’re not!” shouted the wound- said, “I show mercy. Exterminate!” he The Doctor-Dalek lowered its eye-stalk fired his weapon. “I am the Doc-tor!” The Dalek’s weapon hummed and ed woman. “You’re a Dalek! All you do as it experienced sadness for a second whirred, “I have reversed the polarity is kill and hate! The Doctor, he’s kind time,“ Why?” of my weapon. I will be exterminated!” and merciful. You, you are not! You are “You can drop the charade, Rusty.” the a Dalek!” The Doctor-Dalek continued to trav- With a scream, and a flash of blue Doctor said with complete and utter light, the Dalek who believed itself to “I am not a Dalek.” said the Doctor- erse the battlefield, looking for more contempt. “You are not the Doctor. wounded to help or enemies to exter- be the Doctor, was now no more than Dalek, feeling a new sensation. Sad- You are not ever good. And you can ashes. ness… it was sadness. “I am the Doctor. minate. never ever be good.” I will assist you.” With a whooshing sound and a thud, a “I am,” the Doctor-Dalek said mourn- The wounded woman was still suspi- large blue box appeared out of thin air fully, “the Doc-tor.” cious, “Will you call for help then?” on the battlefield before the Doctor- Dalek. The doors to the police box “No you’re not, Rusty,” the Doctor “No,” replied the Doctor-Dalek. creaked open, and out stepped the said. “You think you are, but you’re Doctor, no longer young and no longer really not. Because even if you have “Will you find a hospital, then?” asked wearing a bow tie. He was now grey- some of my personality, even if you the woman, still fearful and suspicious. haired and dressed in black. have morals, you are still what you are. Your nature, your programming, your “No,” the Doctor-Dalek said.

25 26 “Which way?” Leela were greeted by someone whom sniffing a nearby plant. Erich smiled Fiction: The Doctor smiled, moving toward a Leela decided must be some sort of with pride. “Can you eat them?” she wide street. “This way, come on.” official. “Greetings travellers,” he said, asked. Evolved “Are you sure you do not know where subtly trying to tuck his shirt in behind Erich looked horrified. we are?” asked Leela. his back. “What brings you to the city “Leela is from a colony where survival by Trinah Eke “One city looks much like another of New Babylon?” was tough, no frivolities like decorative after a while,” replied the Doctor. “All “New Babylon,” repeated the Doctor gardens,” explained the Doctor. “Do you know where we going this roads lead to the centre.” They head- smiling. “Just passing. Thought we Erich nodded in understanding. “It was time?” asked Leela. ed along the street, which was lined would stop for a visit, didn't we Leela?” tough here in the beginning, too,” he “Why do we want to know where we with uniform rows of buildings on Leela nodded in agreement before add- said. “The labs should be up and run- are going?” replied the Doctor indig- each side, intersected every two hun- ing, “Yes,” ning by now. Ready for the tour?” nantly, “I like surprises. Don't you like dred feet with side streets. “It's a grid “Good, good. We are very proud of our surprises?” he asked. layout, all the streets are intersected city, there is plenty to see,” the official Leela thought for a moment, with other streets,” observed the Doc- said enthusiastically. “Where are my The labs were situated in a large build- “Sometimes,” she replied. The Doctor tor. manners? I'm Erich Salanger, Mayor of ing on the eastern edge of the city, smiled. “I hope it is somewhere warm “Is that bad?” asked Leela. New Babylon,” he said holding out his close to the animal enclosures. “What this time,” she said rubbing her arms. “No it's not bad! It's interesting,” re- hand to shake. are those creatures?” asked Leela after “You're about to find out; we're land- plied the Doctor haughtily. “I'm the Doctor, and this is Leela,” the seeing the animals in the enclosures ing,” replied the Doctor. He flicked a “And that is good?” Doctor replied, shaking Erich's hand. up close for the first time. They were switch on the console, activating the “Sometimes,” replied the Doctor. “A Doctor, marvellous! What are you a the size and shape of a cow with multi- viewscreen. They walked in silence until they Doctor of?” replied Erich excitedly. coloured feathers, long necks and a “It is a city!” exclaimed Leela. reached the centre of the city. “Oh many things,” replied the Doctor single horn in the middle of their “Shall we take a look around?” asked “It is deserted,” said Leela. with a smile. heads. the Doctor, pulling the lever to open The Doctor looked into the sky, “No, I Erich pondered for a moment. “Many “We call them eekers, because of the the door. Leela smiled. The Doctor don't think so. It's early; the day hasn't disciplines, excellent! Here in New Bab- sound they make. They are an indige- strolled out and she followed. started yet,” ylon, we encourage learning... and re- nous species,” Erich explained. The TARDIS had materialised on the “How can you tell?” asked Leela look- search naturally.” Leela was confused. “In-did-jen-us?” outskirts of a city. The city was gleam- ing into the sky. “The sun is high; “Naturally,” repeated the Doctor smil- “It means they were already on this ing white, stretching out for miles in hunting parties should have gone out ing. planet when the colonists arrived,” front of them. Leela turned to see long ago.” Erich continued. “We are engaged in explained the Doctor. what lay beyond and could see fields “The solar collectors on the buildings many fields of research, I am sure we “They are magnificent creatures,” said dotted with farm buildings and animal aren't very efficient, they'll need an- can find something to interest you. The Leela. enclosures. She smiled at the sight of a other hour or so before they generate labs aren't in operation at the moment, Erich smiled, “If you would rather tour forest in the distance. “Can we go ex- enough energy to maintain a city this but I could give you a tour later. In the the animal enclosures...?” ploring?” she asked, gazing longingly at size.” meantime would you like a tour of the “Yes,” interrupted Leela with a smile. the forest. “Solar collectors?” said Leela puzzled. city?” “Ronan!” shouted Erich to a man work- “Of course; let's go,” replied the Doc- “They collect the energy from sunlight ing beside a nearby enclosure, who tor, striding off into the city. and turn it into power,” explained the walked over to join the group. “This is Leela turned to speak and saw the Doctor. “Let's find ourselves some- A short time later the Doctor and Leela Leela, could you show her the eekers?” Doctor moving away, she had to run to where comfortable to wait shall we?” were standing beside a stepped wall, “Of course,” replied Ronan smiling at catch up. “Are we not going to explore said the Doctor with a smile. adorned with varieties of flowering Leela. She returned the smile. Ronan the forest?” she asked. plants. “It's our version of the Hanging gestured for Leela to accompany him “Don't you want to see the city?” Gardens of Babylon... on a much small- and they headed to the animal enclo- asked the Doctor. As the Doctor had predicted the city er scale obviously. One day we hope to sures. “Well, yes...of course…” Leela trailed came to life a couple of hours later. A surpass the original,” Erich explained. off giving the forest a lingering look. few minutes later the Doctor and “It's very pretty,” remarked Leela

27 28 Erich punched a code into a keypad each other. Well, they watched for a for the TARDIS. Ronan watched her for hunt, but this wasn't her world. Travel- beside the lab door. There was an audi- while, but the eekers noticed them a second and then joined her. ling with the Doctor had taught her ble clunk as the door unlocked. Erich and started to charge the colonists, at As they walked Ronan continued to that different was not necessarily pulled open the door and ushered the full speed, 'Eek, eek'. The colonists regale Leela with stories. They reached wrong; but this… this was wrong. Final- Doctor inside. The labs lined either side scattered and ran in all directions. the TARDIS. Ronan stared at it for a ly she could contain herself no longer. of a long corridor. Each lab had a key- One, Keegan, ran further into the for- moment, “This is a ship?” Stepping out in front of the hunting pad entry system. The Doctor peered est, the eekers followed him. He was “Yes,” replied Leela, retrieving a key party, she spoke up. “This is not into the nearest lab window, “paleo- so busy looking behind him he didn't from her pouch. She unlocked the door hunting, this is slaughter. These crea- botany,” he moved to another window. notice a huge tree and ran straight into and stepped inside, motioning to Ro- tures deserve better.” “geology... ah, zoology. You are study- it.” nan to wait. A minute or so later she “This is a cull,” replied the leader, a ing the eekers! I can see why, they are Leela laughed again. returned having collected her bow, a man named Seth. fascinating creatures.” Ronan was becoming more and more quiver of arrows and her hunting knife. “A cull, a hunt, whatever words you “We believe they are at a crucial point animated as he told the story. “Keegan “Er,” said Ronan. want to use, this is without honour. If of their evolutionary history. We are was smart, slumped next to a tree with “Yes?” replied Leela. you are going to kill these creatures, it trying to accelerate it to see what they a herd of eekers charging towards him, Ronan smiled, “Shall we go?” should be done with respect; they become,” explained Erich. he thought fast. He knew the only way Leela nodded. should have a chance to escape to live “Do you think that's wise?” asked the to stop the charging eekers was to another day. “This...” Leela grabbed a Doctor. show dominance, so he got to his feet stun gun from one the group, “…is not “We take all due precautions, I assure and roared, 'RAWR'.” Ronan laughed. Erich watched as the Doctor and To- a fair hunt,” you, Doctor... I don't remember you “What happened next?” asked Leela mas worked on plans for the solar col- “Leela!” implored Ronan. giving me your name,” replied Erich. struggling to speak through laughter. lectors’ upgrade. Finally the Doctor “We aren't here to hunt, we are here “Doctor, just Doctor,” replied the Doc- “The eekers stopped, lowered their spoke, “That should do it.” to cull their numbers,” replied Seth. tor with a smile. “You know, you could heads and squeaked.” Erich caught Tomas' eye, Tomas “Can you not do both?” asked Leela. improve the efficiency of your solar “Squeaked?” asked Leela. smiled. “By my calculations, this will “This is the most humane way we collectors by 50% if you...” “Squeaked. It's their way of showing increase efficiency by 80%. It's really could think of. Torturing these animals “50%?” Erich asked in astonishment. submission,” explained Ronan. “The rather simple, we should have thought in a hunt...” “Oh at least, maybe even 75%...” eekers saved the colony. They provide of it,” said Tomas. Leela fired the stun gun at Seth, he us with milk, meat, manure and some “Oh, don't be too hard on yourself, dropped to the floor. parts of them have medicinal proper- Tomas. We can't all be geniuses,” the Leela sat with Ronan as he told the sto- ties, nothing goes to waste, we even Doctor said with a wide grin. Erich ry of how the original colonists had en- make use of their feathers.” looked uneasy but Tomas smiled. The Doctor and Tomas were working countered the eekers. “So the colo- “They are magnificent,” said Leela. “So how long will this upgrade take?” on the upgrade watched by Erich, nists, low on food went into the forest “They are,” agreed Ronan. “We have a Erich asked. when a man rushed into the room, hoping for fruit or berries or fungi, cull scheduled today, if their numbers “With the Doctor's help...” Tomas “There has been an incident on the something, anything they could eat. get too great they overrun the city, do glanced at the Doctor trying to gauge cull,” he said breathlessly. They got just inside the forest and they you want to join?” whether he would be willing to help. “What kind of incident?” asked Erich heard a noise. 'Eek, eek'.” “A cull?” asked Leela. The Doctor smiled. “A few hours,” concern on his face. The sound of Ronan doing a creditable “It's kind of a hunt,” explained Ronan. “Then please, start as soon as possi- The man looked at the Doctor, “His impersonation of the eekers’ odd calls “A hunt? Then I will be honoured to ble,” replied Erich. “Anything you need companion, she... stunned Seth.” The made Leela laugh. join,” replied Leela smiling. “I will need will be at your disposal,” Doctor didn't appear to have heard. “They had been here three weeks and to return to the TARDIS and prepare.” The man continued, “She threatened this was the first indication of any form “TARDIS?” asked Ronan. the rest of the party with the stun gun of life on the planet. Curious, they went “It is our... ship,” replied Leela. Leela had initially kept her disappoint- so they...stunned her. They are on searching for the source of the sound. “Where is it?” asked Ronan. ment to herself, when they had used their way back now.” They found a group of eekers in a clear- Leela looked around. “That way,” she technology to locate the eekers, it was- “How long does the stun effect last?” ing, apparently fighting, charging at replied getting to her feet setting off n't the way she would have liked to asked the Doctor without looking up

29 30 from his work. the open door. with purpose. What you do is not think that went well?” asked the Doc- “A couple of hours,” replied Erich. The Doctor and Leela followed Erich as hunting. You do not track, you do not tor. “No immediate rush then, I will contin- he led the way to the meeting room. study your prey. You stun and bludg- “You were no help,” replied Leela. ue working until she wakes up. We can “Please sit down, I will be back in a few eon, like cowards in the night.” Leela’s “You didn't need help,” said the Doc- sort out this mess then.” minutes and then we shall begin.” Er- disgust was clear. tor. Leela smiled. “I think it would be Erich nodded at the man, who depart- ich indicated the long oval table sur- Erich paused, then after a moment he best if you went back to the TARDIS, I ed. “Doctor... we have laws...” rounded by a dozen chairs, in the mid- turned back to Ronan. “Is this true? Did have a few more things to do here, but “Shush… Later,” replied the Doctor. dle of the large room; then left the you say a cull was like a hunt?” I will join you later,” Leela nodded. Erich opened his mouth to speak but Doctor and Leela alone. The Doctor “I did. I didn't realise she would misun- closed it again and sighed. He left the pulled out a chair and sat down, derstand...” Ronan trailed off. “I'm sor- room. putting his feet up onto the table, ry. This is my fault.” Tomas was still working when the Doc- Leela stared at him for a moment and Leela looked at Ronan confused. tor re-joined him a few minutes later. sat in a chair beside him. They waited “I'm sorry Leela, you were misled about “How did it go?” he asked. Less than two hours later the Doctor, in silence. After a few minutes mem- the purpose of the cull. This is an unfor- “Oh, as expected, all a big misunder- accompanied by Erich, headed to the bers of the cull party began streaming tunate misunderstanding,” said Erich. standing,” the Doctor replied. cell where Leela was being held. He in taking seats around the table; “I do not understand,” said Leela. “Good.” The Doctor resumed work. heard her before he saw her; she was among them Ronan, who sat beside “The purpose of a cull is to reduce the yelling threats at her captors. When Leela. Finally, Erich and Seth entered numbers of eekers as quickly and pain- Leela saw the Doctor she stopped yell- the room and sat down. “Good, we are lessly as possible,” explained Erich. A few hours later they were finished. ing. “Are you here to free me?” she all here; let's begin. Seth?” said Erich. “Those stun guns are not painless,” in- “Test run?” asked the Doctor. Tomas asked hopefully. Seth glared at Leela and began speak- terrupted Leela. nodded. They attached a converter to “In time. You need to be patient... and ing, “We were out culling, we had just “Maybe not, but they are the best we a multimeter and switched it on. stop threatening people,” the Doctor stunned two eekers and Jakob had fin- can do,” said Erich solemnly. Tomas watched the readings excitedly. replied. ished them off...” Leela thought for a moment and nod- “These readings... this will transform Leela nodded and sat down on the “Hit them over the head with a lump ded resignedly. the colony, no more power rationing.” bed. of wood like a...” sputtered Leela in “This matter is settled,” declared Erich “Now...” said the Doctor turning to disgust. rising to his feet. “Now, please return Half an hour later the upgraded system Erich, “what happens next, an in- “Leela!” interrupted the Doctor. to your duties.” was online. The Doctor had bid Tomas quiry?” “Shush, you will have your say later.” The members filed out of the meeting farewell and was on his way to the “Yes, of sorts. We gather witnesses Leela crossed her arms and har- room. Seth gave Leela another glare TARDIS. In the distance he could see together in the meeting room and lis- rumphed but remained quiet. before leaving. Ronan remained seated the glow of multiple fires and could ten to accounts of events,” replied Er- “Please continue,” said the Doctor. beside Leela. make out the shadows of colonists ich. Seth resumed speaking, “…and then “I'm sorry Leela,” he said quietly when around them. “That must be their “Will Leela be given the opportunity to she grabbed a stun gun and shot me.” everyone else had left. feast,” he said to himself. He reached give her account?” asked the Doctor. Leela glared at him but didn't speak. “Erich said it was a misunderstanding,” the TARDIS and stepped inside. Leela “Of course,” replied Erich. “Everyone Erich nodded and turned to Jakob. replied Leela. was sitting on the floor beside K9. She involved is required to give their ac- “Jakob, will you tell us what hap- Ronan nodded, “Will you be attending scrambled to her feet. count,” pened?” the feast later?” “Are we leaving now?” she asked. “There we are, you see Leela. Every- One after another each of the group “Will you be eating the eekers you “Not yet. I want to make sure the up- thing is going to be fine.” gave their accounts, repeating Seth's killed today?” asked Leela, an edge to grade is a success. Tomorrow,” replied Leela smiled. story almost exactly; all except Ronan her voice. Ronan nodded. the Doctor. “I will convene the meeting. Unlock the who added what Leela had said; until “I will not eat animals killed in such a “And then we will leave?” Leela asked cell,” Erich instructed a guard. finally it was Leela's turn to speak her- way, it dishonours them,” she replied. hopefully. The Doctor smiled, Leela “Come on then,” said the Doctor to self. Ronan got to his feet and left the responded with an uneasy smile. Leela, who had remained seated on “Ronan invited me to a cull, he said it meeting room in silence. the bed. She rose and slowly walked to was like a hunt. Hunting is noble and “That went well I thought, didn't you

31 32 A few hours later Leela was sleeping. eat eeker meat?” asked the Doctor. “With such a small window each day the Doctor. The Doctor was tinkering in the con- “I don't eat meat,” Erich replied. “You for research, some of your scientists “It is, it is,” enthused Henrik. sole room. There was a loud banging think the meat was tainted?” must get frustrated. Hmm?” said the “And you have been able to accelerate on the door. “Doctor! Doctor!” the “It seems the most probable explana- Doctor. the process,” added the Doctor. voice was familiar. The Doctor pulled tion,” said the Doctor. “Well...yes, but they know how im- “Yes, to be able to witness the evolu- the lever on the console and walked “How is that possible?” asked Erich. portant containment is,” replied Erich. tionary process on this scale, it's never briskly to the door. “Every precaution is taken in food “You think one of them breached pro- been done before.” “Hello Erich… and Seth, isn’t it?” he preparation.” cedures, don't you?” “But the time constraints, with the greeted his visitors. “I have a theory. I will need to speak to “I am certain of it,” replied the Doctor. power rationing, that must be frus- “Doctor. There's been an incident...” some of your scientists.” “The experiment on the eekers, accel- trating,” said the Doctor. began Erich. Erich thought for a moment, “Yes, yes erating their evolution; have you con- “Yes it is,” replied Henrik. “That woman Leela has poisoned us!” of course.” sidered that carefully? Eekers were the “Is that why you broke procedure and yelled Seth. The Doctor stooped down to K9, he dominant life form on this planet, now kept working without containment?” “K9!” commanded the Doctor. whispered, “Make sure Leela stays in they have one natural predator. Evolu- asked the Doctor. “Master?” responded K9, moving to the TARDIS.” tion in time would have given them a “I... I...” Henrik panicked. He looked the door. “Affirmative, Master,” responded K9. defence against that predator, you ac- around the room. “How long has Leela been in the TAR- The Doctor walked out of the door and celerated the process,” It was Erich who broke the silence, DIS?” closed it behind him. Erich’s face went pale, “You think we “Henrik you have doomed this colony. “The Mistress has been in the TARDIS did this to ourselves?” They walked in The eekers’ meat is tainted... poison- for 9.4 hours, Master.” silence the rest of the way to the ous.” “There you are you see. Leela couldn't Seth had left reluctantly to track down meeting room. Some of the scientists “No, I didn't do that,” retorted Henrik. have poisoned anyone; she has been the scientists. “Tell me about the con- were already there. Erich scanned the “Evolution; it’s an unpredictable busi- right here since the inquiry,” stated tainment procedures for the labs?” faces, Henrik, the evolutionary biolo- ness,” said the Doctor. the Doctor. asked the Doctor as he and Erich gist was missing. Erich ushered the At that moment, a man ran into the “You think we will accept the word of a walked to the meeting room. Doctor to sit and took a seat beside room out of breath. “Erich, the eek- robot?” Seth hissed. “You think this has something to do him. ers... the enclosures.” “K9 wouldn't lie, would you K9?” re- with an experiment? I can't think of A short time later, Seth arrived with Erich and the Doctor rushed out of the plied the Doctor. anything our scientists are working more scientists shaking his head at Er- meeting room. “Negative, Master,” with that could have caused this,” re- ich, “The rest are sick.” “You see. How many people are sick?” plied Erich. Erich glanced around the arriving scien- asked the Doctor. “The procedures?” the Doctor prod- tists, he spotted Henrik. “Doctor, this is As he reached the enclosures, the Doc- “Hundreds,” replied Erich solemnly. ded. Henrik, evolutionary biologist.” tor could make out what was clearly a “Eight have died.” “Having limited power, containment The Doctor leapt to his feet, smiling. body, lying on the ground. Inspection “Hundreds? Since yesterday?” asked on the labs can only be maintained “Henrik!” he boomed. “Tell me about revealed it to be Ronan. He had been the Doctor. until 6pm. All research materials must the eekers. Fascinating creatures,” he badly gouged, and blood was soaking “Most of the people who attended the be locked in the containment vault by said putting a hand behind his back and his clothes. A small team of doctors feast...” Erich said. 5.00pm. There is a one-hour clean-up leading him to a seat. was tending to him. The Doctor left “They were poisoned!” interrupted window for disposal of anything that Henrik looked puzzled for a moment, them to it and walked slowly towards Seth. could be a hazard. We take great care “Er, well, yes; the eekers. You've seen the nearest enclosure. The eekers “Didn't you two attend the feast?” with our research.” them I assume. They evolved from were loud, “Eek, eek” their call more asked the Doctor. “I assume the containment vault has birds... well I am sure you guessed... shrill than before. As he drew closer he “I did,” replied Erich. its own power supply?” the feathers. They are midway through could see that they had changed from “But you're not sick? What about you, “Yes, it’s a separate system.” the transformation from bird to mam- the last time he had seen them. Their Seth? Did you attend the feast?” “And there have been no power fluctu- mal. I'd seen fossils of evolving species, legs had lost the hooves that they had “No,” snapped Seth. ations?” asked the Doctor. but to see it up so close... well...” had before; and in their place were “Erich, this is very important. Did you “None. I would have been informed.” “It's the oportunity of a lifetime,” said vicious looking claws. Beneath their

33 34 shoulders were the first sign of devel- door and strode out. Leela followed. attention.” he turned at looked at “Most of the eekers are distracted, we oping wings, he could see the skin rip- Leela. need to distract the rest.” pling around them. Slowly he backed She smiled. One of the men stared at Leela in dis- away to the group surrounding Ronan. Leela stepped out of the TARDIS into belief. “Everyone, inside quickly!” he hissed. the meeting room where she had been “Do you have any ideas?” asked Seth. “We can't move him yet,” said one of earlier. There were a group of bewil- Leela along with Seth and 18 volun- “We make them fight each other.” the doctors. dered looking men and women staring teers were armed with stun guns and Leela replied. “You have to, they will be flying within at the TARDIS. two-way radios. She had devised the “How?” Seth hissed. minutes,” replied the Doctor. “You need to gather all essential plan, distract the eekers by running “Look.” she said pointing at the feed- The doctor's eyes widened. They took equipment. Do not go outside. Any- around outside as far away from the ing eekers who were jostling each oth- hold of Ronan and moving as quickly as thing you can't get without going out- evacuating colonists as possible, with- er for prime position. It was clear Seth they could, took him inside. As they side, leave it. The eekers can fly and out cutting themselves off from the didn't understand. “Ronan told me reached the building the Doctor turned are deadly. We are evacuating the col- buildings. If necessary, they would split about the eekers, they charge each to Erich, “Wait for me in the meeting ony,” the Doctor instructed. into groups of four to keep the eekers other, they have the instinct to fight, room.” The scientists looked at each other attention away from the colonists. we make them fight.” “Aren't you coming in?” asked Erich. puzzled. They waited at the door for word from Seth nodded, “What is your plan?” “I have to go to back the TARDIS,” re- “No time to waste, chop, chop.” he Erich to begin. As her radio crackled “We run there.” she said pointing at plied the Doctor. added. The scientists hurried from the Leela took a deep breath, it was time. the mid-transformation eekers. “Oh, your shuttle,” said Erich. room, passing Erich as he came in. He Seth grasped the door handle, Seth smiled, “I get it.” The Doctor smiled, turned and hurried looked surprised to see the Doctor. “Ready?” he asked. Leela nodded, he “I don't!” said one of the other volun- away. “Doctor? I just left you...” he began. threw the door open, they all ran out- teers. “No time to explain. We have to evacu- side. “We are the cheese in the mousetrap.” ate the colony, gather essential equip- The eekers spotted them immediately. replied Seth. “The mice fight each oth- A few minutes later he was inside the ment only, don't go outside. Bring eve- There were a few eekers walking er to get the cheese. That's the plan, TARDIS. “K9, I need to land inside the ryone here.” The Doctor ordered. around who hadn't fully transformed, right?” meeting room in the city,” he said “How are we going to evacuate from Leela gave them a wide berth as she “Mice?” she asked. punching co-ordinates into the con- here?” Erich spotted the TARDIS. “How ran. She heard the sound of flapping “It doesn't matter. We are the bait, sole. did you get that in here?” overhead, the eeker screeched as it right?” “Affirmative, Master. Calculating,” said “Complicated. Evacuate now, explana- dived. Screeching was replaced by Leela nodded. “Ready?” she asked. K9 as he plugged into the console. The tions later.” said the Doctor. screams. Seth shouted, Leela turned to Seth took a deep breath and nodded. central column began to rise and fall as “It's impossible.” Erich replied, anguish see one of the volunteers on the They ran. The flying eekers quickly the TARDIS dematerialised. in his voice. “There is no way to get all ground being mauled by an eeker. spotted their prey diving to pick them “Are we leaving?” asked Leela as she the colonists here without going out- “The stun guns aren't working!” yelled off. The walking eekers charged at walked into the console room. side... if they go outside...” his voice Seth. them, Leela dodged out of the way. “No. We need to evacuate the colony trailed off. “Run!” yelled Leela. Seth was too slow and was gouged by before the eekers learn to fly... ” said “They must fight their way here.” Leela One by one the eekers reduced their the horn of a charging eeker, Leela the Doctor. said. number until there were a handful left. pulled him out of way as a second “Fly?” Leela interrupted. “The eekers Erich looked at Leela as though he was Leela ran to a nearby doorway, the re- charged. There was a earpiercing cannot fly.” seeing her for the first time. “There are maining volunteers followed. She could screech as the second charging eeker “There isn't time to explain now. We children.” he said quietly. see eekers grouped around the fallen, collided with first. Behind her Leela need to evacuate the colony before “Then I will bring them.” she replied they were feeding. There were a few heard screams, she turned to see the more die.” defiantly. “I will need a stun gun.” eekers still circling overhead. remaining volunteers being simultane- “Die? Who has died?” The TARDIS land- The Doctor smiled. “Erich, you need to “We haven't had the all-clear yet.” Seth ously impaled and mauled by both fly- ed before the Doctor had chance to send out escorts with stun guns to whispered while trying to catch his ing and charging eekers. She knew it answer. bring the colonists here. We will also breath. was too late to help them, she grabbed The Doctor pulled the lever for the need a distraction to get the eekers “We need a new plan.” stated Leela. Seth's arm and led him from the fray.

35 36 The sound of running feet was much There was a noise irritating the Doctor, An hour later all the colonists were Fiction: closer and had been joined by the but he couldn’t tell where it was com- inside the TARDIS. Leela helped Seth sound of several more in the distance. ing from. An incessant buzzing like an through the TARDIS door. Erich Past Imperfect Suddenly a grubby young man burst angry wasp caught in a jar. He sat on a watched the door behind them, when from a litter-strewn alleyway, scatter- hard plastic bench in the colony medi- there were no new arrivals the anguish by Simon Horton ing detritus in all directions. He almost cal centre, trying desperately to locate was visible on his face. ran full tilt into the Doctor and stopped the noise. As his eyes darted along the “They were brave.” said Leela. Leela was dead. short, his eyes wide in disbelief. corridor he noticed the grubby man Erich nodded sadly. “Doctor!” His voice was shaky and from the square approaching, two It had all started so promisingly. “A breathless. “Twice in one day! You plastic cups in his hands. He placed little education,” the Doctor had prom- must be my guardian angel or some- one on the bench next to the Doctor “We can't thank you enough Doctor,” ised Leela. “A trip to see one of the thing!” and began to speak. said Erich, as the last of the supplies most successful Earth colonies this side The Doctor’s eyes boggled. “Well, it’s The Doctor flapped his hands in irrita- were carried back out of the TARDIS of Qadaniqa.” always terribly nice to be recognised… tion at the unseen flying insect before and onto the planet, which after an K9 had helpfully advised against vis- but do I know you?” finally identifying the buzzing sound as extensive search of the TARDIS data- iting the colony on SD15 without inoc- The man looked disappointed. “It’s me, a faulty light fitting in the greasy ceil- bank, the Doctor and Erich had deter- ulations for the strain of blue influenza Jed!” ing. Apparently satisfied, the Doctor mined would be the colonists’ new virus that ran rife there. The Doctor absent-mindedly gathered up the trail- home. had thanked K9 for the information The next few seconds were a riot of ing ends of his scarf and began picking “Oh, it was nothing,” said the Doctor and ignored it. confusion. Jed’s explanation was lost in dirt and biscuit crumbs from the tas- disarmingly. “Just one thing though an explosion of energy bolts that fizzed sels. Erich; you may very well find the odd Leela looked decidedly non-plussed as around them. In the same instant, K9’s Jed sat down and stared into his drink. local species on this planet too. If you the three of them emerged from the own defence capabilities went to work “They need her i.d. for the death cer- do, please leave them alone to get on TARDIS into the deserted town square. on the as-yet unseen enemy, firing ran- tificate.” with their evolution in their own way. Night had fallen and the sky was paint- domly at the surrounding buildings. The Doctor nodded gravely. “Yes.” Do resist the temptation to interfere.” ed a vivid crimson. The dark square Several seconds of silence. The occa- “We’ll just leave them to it, Doctor. was outlined by squat, pre-fabricated “Get down!” the Doctor yelled to any- sional nurse hurried past, almost un- You can absolutely count on that.” buildings constructed from vac-formed one who would listen. He saw Leela seen. “I hope you do; I really hope you do. plastic panels and alloy sheeting; there shoving Jed to safety behind the TAR- The Doctor suddenly sat bolt upright Goodbye Erich. Come on Leela.” were very few lights on, and the entire DIS, then a stray energy bolt singed his and stared at the opposite wall. “What The Doctor and Leela closed the TAR- area was still and silent. hair, before blasting a sizeable chunk of did you mean?” DIS door behind them and Erich Silent, except for the rapidly approach- metal plating from a building on the far Jed looked apologetic. “You know, her watched in astonishment as the ing footsteps. side of the square. It was only when he identification…” strange blue box faded from view. saw Leela’s lifeless body hitting the “Not Leela!” hissed the Doctor venom- “Life forms approaching, Master,” K9 ground several metres away that he ously through clenched teeth. “Earlier. informed redundantly. realised that the same energy bolt You said: ‘Twice in one day’…” Leela instinctively reached for her must be responsible for blowing a Jed looked a little confused. “Well, knife. The Doctor rounded on her. smoking hole the size of a football right y’know, I thought you were gonna help “People aren’t always hostile, you through her abdomen. me again.” know.” The Doctor fixed Jed with an intense Leela didn’t look convinced. “Are they Time seemed to slow for the Doctor. stare. “Again…?” not?” He was dimly aware that the shooting “Yeah, well, you’d already saved my “No!” The Doctor beamed. had stopped, that the footsteps were life once today, hadn’t you…” “Sometimes they can be positively running away amidst confused shouts, “Had I…?” charming!” and that the faint whiff of what smelt “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten!” like burnt sugar now hung in the air…

37 38 The Doctor gripped Jed’s arm and The Doctor looked grave as he correct- K9’s head drooped. “Master.” (some seven hours prior to it’s first glared at him. “Let’s pretend I have,” ed him, “Leela saved you.” “And that’s a big problem.” There were visit), the Doctor had to admit that it he whispered fiercely. “Tell me about Jed’s face fell. “Yeah, well… that wasn’t several seconds of heavy silence. “But hadn’t been the best day of his lives, it.” quite what I intended.” the biggest problem is that she’s dead even by his own reckless standards. Jed looked blank. “About what?” “No.” because I apparently saved that young He emerged cautiously, finding himself The Doctor struggled to keep calm. An awkward silence again. man’s life. If I hadn’t saved his life he in a filthy alleyway between two rows “About me saving your life.” Jed stood up. “Well, I oughta be goin’. wouldn’t have been there to be shot at of decrepit pre-fabricated buildings. He Jed grinned cheekily. “Having prob- The Chief’s still after me, and… Well, when we arrived for the second time…” looked around with disdain. “And I lems with your memory?” y’know…” He paused, then corrected himself: “Or thought this was a model colony,” he “Only when it comes to the future.” The Doctor nodded absently. Jed stood the first time from our point of view…” muttered. “Remind me to update the Jed’s face blanked. up and started to move away, but the Another pause, then he suddenly TARDIS data banks, K9.” The Doctor leaned in so close that his Doctor suddenly leapt to his feet and brightened. “Except I haven’t saved his “Affirmative, Master.” nose was almost touching Jed’s. “Tell grabbed Jed by his scrawny shoulder. life. Not yet, anyway. His past is our “Now all we’ve got to do is hope that me.” “Was Leela with us?” he asked intense- future, if you see what I mean.” my theory’s correct, and that we don’t “You really can’t remember?” ly. “Master,” K9 chirped warily. bump into ourselves…” The Doctor’s glare intensified. Jed looked confused. “So, we’re left with something of a di- “Alright, alright.” Jed backed away. “Leela. Was she there the first time I lemma.” The Doctor sat upright, ex- The Doctor and K9 set off down the “Well, it’s the Chief, innit? I owe him saved your life?” citing himself with his own fractured alley, looking for any sign of a disturb- big time, don’t I? See, I sold him a “Er… I dunno… It all happened so logic. “What would happen if we didn’t ance that might lead them to Jed’s fra- dodgy aircar. Well, I say dodgy… I did- fast…” save his life…?” cas with the Chief’s heavies. They n’t know it was dodgy at the time, did “Think!” The Doctor spat the word out “The First Law of Time…” K9 began wound their way down squalid streets I…?” through gritted teeth. primly. lit by flickering neon lights and popu- “How did I save your life?” the Doctor Jed was shocked at the Doctor’s sud- “Ah, yes!” The Doctor leapt to his feet lated by an assortment of lowlifes. Sev- interrupted. den ferocity. He stopped and thought and began pacing animatedly around eral people stopped to stare at the “Well, I was cornered, weren’t I? By the back. “No… Just you, and… and the the central console. “But maybe we’re Doctor’s flamboyant figure; one va- Chief’s Berserkers. They were goin’ to robot thing… I think you said you’d left not changing history, because it hasn’t grant offered to swap K9 for a plastic do me in, then you come along, and someone in the soup bar round the happened yet – not for us, anyway…” bowl containing some unidentifiable distracted ‘em while your metal mate corner…” The Doctor knew his argument sound- food substance, whilst an extravagant- zapped ‘em!” “Thank you.” The Doctor’s voice was ed thin, but pushed on regardless. “So ly garbed woman with neon implants barely audible. maybe not saving his life is also part of offered to show the Doctor a new use Realisation drifted across the Doctor’s Jed nodded, unsure of what else to history – our history.” for his scarf... troubled mind - Jed’s past was the Doc- say, then turned and headed out. The K9 backed discreetly into a corner. tor’s future. For Jed, this must be the Doctor picked up his drink from the “Likelihood of such action causing a It was as they were narrowly avoiding Doctor’s second visit, just a few hours bench and stared into it. There was a siginifacnt disturbance to the temporal an old man coughing and spluttering after an earlier visit when he’d appar- thin film of scum floating on the sur- flux field is 1,346,892 to 1.” blue phlegm into the gutter that their ently saved Jed’s life; for the Doctor, face. “Spoil sport!” the Doctor snapped quarry unexpectedly appeared at their this hadn’t happened yet, so the TAR- tetchily. “Besides, in the scheme of feet. Jed had been launched from the DIS must have landed on SD15 a few things that’s not too bad, is it…?” doorway of a particularly seedy- hours after it had already visited. But The mood in the TARDIS had never “Define ‘not too bad,’ Master.” looking bar and landed heavily in front why? The Doctor struggled to get to been more morose. The Doctor was “Aha!” the Doctor suddenly exclaimed. of them, knocking an overflowing dust- grips with the implications of a time lying flat on his back, hands clasped “There is another alternative, of bin flying. He was closely followed by a paradox that made even his head spin. behind his head, haunted eyes staring course…” handful of young punks sporting holo- “So these… Berserkers… they were at the softly glowing ceiling. graphic haircuts, luminous tattoos and chasing you again tonight when you “There’s a problem here, K9.” a variety of mechanically augmented ran into us in the square.” “Master.” As the TARDIS materialised for the sec- limbs. The Berserkers, the Doctor as- “Yeah! And you saved me again!” “Leela’s dead.” ond time that day on the planet SD15 sumed.

39 40 The first Berserker leapt forward with lence; he half turned his head and Jed shrugged. “There’s a shuttle to Al- know what that means, but I am sure a vicious snarl, his robotic drill-hand muttered out of the side of his mouth, Taraq any time now…” that once round the block does not buzzing at Jed who rolled aside just in “Anytime now would be good, K9.” “Excellent.” The Doctor’s voice had take all morning!” time. In a flash Jed was on his feet and taken on a chilling edge of steely cer- “Ah…” The Doctor looked shamefaced. bolting out of sight down a gloomy tainty. “Make sure you’re on that “You left me in here and you did not alley. The Berserkers were hot on his “That was fantastic!” Jed enthused as transport.” Jed began to protest but tell me where you were going.” heels. he looked back down the alleyway at the Doctor shushed him, then pressed “Didn’t I…?” The Doctor cast a wary glance along the untidy heap of punk haircuts, rag- something cold into his hand. “That Leela glared, then her face softened. the street as the motley bunch disap- ged clothes and tangled mechanical should be enough to get you a first “But I am very pleased to see you peared noisily into the distance. limbs. He stooped down to K9’s level class seat.” again, Doctor.” “Come on K9; we’ve got work to do.” and shouted enthusiastically into his Jed glanced down at the enormous “Well,” the Doctor beamed, “I’m very eye panel, “That was fantastic!” golden crystal glinting in his hand and pleased to see you, too.” “Congratulations are unnecessary,” K9 gasped. “What the…?” The Berserkers had Jed cornered in a chirped brightly. “It’s a vaxxal jewel from the crown of grimy doorway as the Doctor saun- Jed stood up and turned to the Doc- the last Queen of Hunderfak. Poor The three travellers headed back down tered casually towards them. “Good tor. “That was bloody fantastic!” dear passed away while I was making the bustling street towards the TARDIS morning, gentlemen!” His cheery voice The Doctor glowered down at the ro- her a cup of tea. Charming lady. She as the shuttle to Al-Taraq roared over- boomed along the narrow alley. “Or is bot dog. “Yes, well, it nearly wasn’t. had three eyes, five legs, and no chil- head. The Doctor waved at it affably it good afternoon? I wonder if you can K9 occasionally likes to leave these dren. She won’t be needing the jewel with his hat. help me – I’m looking for the tourist things a little too close for comfort.” anymore.” “You know,” he announced proudly, information office!” “Incorrect, Master. I had calculated Jed was speechless. “I’m a clever old Doctor!” The rioters turned to look at the the timing of the attack to 98.9% cer- “Good man,” enthused the Doctor. Leela looked confused. “Sometimes I charming toothy grin beaming at tainty.” “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to do not understand you, Doctor,” she them, and their initial incredulity “It’s the 1.1% uncertainty that worries collect our friend. I have a feeling I left declared flatly. quickly became whooping amusement me…” her eating breakfast. Tell me,” he said, The Doctor looked disappointed. “Only as they swung their assorted mechani- Jed was far too excitable to notice the careful to ensure that the timelines sometimes?” cal appendages in his direction. squabbling. “How can I thank you were maintained, “is there a soup bar Suddenly Leela let out an enormous “Well now, boys,” snarled Drill-Hand guys?!” he babbled as he pumped the near here?” Jed pointed back to the sneeze, spraying bright blue phlegm in delightedly, “looks like we found our- Doctor’s hand vigorously. main street. “Thank you,” the Doctor all directions. The Doctor grinned with selves a new toy!” The Doctor thought for a second, then beamed, “then that’s precisely where I malicious delight. “Looks like you’ve Another punk with surgically implant- grinned mischievously. “You know must have left her…” caught the ‘flu, Savage!” ed steel talons circled the Doctor, fin- what you need? A holiday!” gering his scarf. “Smart, ain’t he?” Jed looked baffled. The Doctor ran his fingers through his “Yes!” declared the Doctor persua- Leela was slumped disconsolately in a mop of hair and smiled modestly. sively. “Yes, I think you need a new corner when the Doctor entered the “Aah, well… I like to make an effort. start in a new town, away from those soup bar. An empty bowl sat congeal- First impressions are so important, thugs.” ing in front of her. don’t you think?” “Oh yeah, great idea!” Jed indicated “Did you enjoy your breakfast?” A third Berserker with a single glowing the unconscious Berserkers. “I already Leela looked up grumpily at the Doc- artificial eye leaned into the Doctor’s owe that lot more money than my tor. “I do not like this place. It smells of face. “That right, mister?” His left life’s worth! How am I supposed to rotten fish.” hand had been replaced by a rusty afford to get away?!” The Doctor beamed. “I’ll take that as a buzz-saw, which he brandished reck- The Doctor put a reassuring arm ‘no’.” lessly under the Doctor’s nose. around Jed’s scrawny shoulders. Leela rose to her feet. “I have been There was a tense pause. The Doctor “When does the next inter-planetary here too long. ‘Once round the block’ eventually broke the expectant si- transporter leave?” is what you told me, Doctor. I do not

41 42 kicking up decades of dust and rubble. why I’m here.” Lilly’s reply was muffled film!” Her pained voice echoed out… Fiction: The pair strode in and gasped at the within the curtain. David felt compelled to look behind wide-open space of the theatre. The “Oh,” David said out loud. “I just want- him and he saw the horror unfold be- The Perils of the seats were desecrated, the stands and ed to explore and be with you,” David fore his eyes… rows devastated by the collapsed ceil- finished glumly, burrowing under the Picture House ing. Spots of sunlight bathed the de- curtain to the other side. David eyed struction, casting a path down to the Lilly already leaving through a side- The dilapidated cinema was swamped by Thomas Beech stage area. As they walked, the explor- door. with UNIT troops. Amongst a group of ers found belongings, left under seats: “Just stay down here, I’ll look in the shaking heads, one voice stood out. Beams of flashlights scanned the handbags; coats; even children’s toys. projector booth. I won’t be long.” Lilly “Where’s the Doctor? This is right up cracked, painted walls. Trailing behind “What happened here?” David asked, echoed as she bounced up a flight of his alley,” the Brigadier barked. were two pairs of trainers that treaded lifting a scorched teddy bear with his rusted metal stairs. A roar announced the arrival of a yel- lightly on the moss ridden floor of the gloved hands. Using her keys, Lilly unlocked the door low roadster, which parked beside the derelict cinema. Lilly held a creased “Years ago,” Lilly began, shining her to the astonishingly pristine projection depressing set of dirty green four by blueprint in thick-gloved hands. She flashlight above them. “They put a film room. Positioned in the far corner was fours. Hopping out of the vehicle was a wanted to know where she was and on that was so terrifying, disgusting, the projector, standing halfway along a tall figure clad in green velvet and a more importantly, how to get out. Da- traumatising, et cetera; that it caused wide view window that overlooked the white frilled shirt. Beside him was a vid was more hands-on, breaking them to close the entire cinema.” Lilly seating complex. She gave David a young woman, with blonde hair, wear- through debris, irking Lilly. Right now, held the flashlight under her chin for wave, but he was too engrossed in the ing a patterned jumper and boot-cut the pair were in the lobby of the build- dramatic effect. “Another theory is complex machinery to notice. Turning trousers. “Brigadier!” The Doctor ing and David was struggling with a set that after being completely bought out back, Lilly found a rack of film canis- raised his hand as he and Jo Grant ap- of wooden doors. in the fifties by some rich bloke, they ters, layered in rust. Her eyes lit up as proached. “Stop looking at that map an’ help just kicked everyone out and just left it she cradled them carefully, inspecting “About time, Doctor. We have a situa- me!” David had jammed a crowbar in to rot.” the taped labels along the sides. They tion here,” the Brigadier said, turning the seam of the doors. “They were forced to leave everything were a mixture of cheesy B-movie sci- to reveal Lilly and David, seated, with Preoccupied, Lilly wandered behind the behind?” David dropped the bear to fi, dumb action flicks, and the usual their eyes and mouths gaping open. confectionary stand. “If you did your the floor; it erupted with dust on im- Hollywood suspects. Lilly gripped one “Good grief,” the Doctor said, placing research David, you’d know that when pact. curiously titled ‘Mentis Imperium’. his fingers on their necks. this building was closed so suddenly, “Looks like it.” Lilly nodded in re- “Must be a foreign import,” she Jo kept back, looking on nervously. some things were left behind.” Lower- sponse. Reaching the stage, Lilly muttered, while opening the canister “Are they dead Doctor?” she asked ing the blueprints, Lilly smiled at the climbed up first, just barely scratching carefully, to uncover an oddly shaped timidly. group of keys hanging next to an em- her outfit on mouldy splinters. David film reel within. It was hexagonal. Lilly “There’s a pulse. They’re just cataton- ployee timetable. The marker had jumped up and finished climbing with felt compelled to place it in the projec- ic, Jo,” responded the Doctor, remov- smudged and rubbed away over the an assist from Lilly. Ahead of them tor. Her heartbeat was the rhythm of a ing his fingers. His eyes scanned their years yet one name above it was print- stood a large, faded, velvet curtain, raging stampede as she locked the reel moss ridden clothing. “What were they ed proudly in gold: Dominic Dominar. sagging to envelop the stage in ripples in place and flicked the switch. doing here? Construction? Surveying?” “Must have been the new owner,” Lilly of moth-chewed fabric. “We can get to He looked towards the Brigadier. muttered as she gripped the keys and the projection room from behind the “Urban explorers, Doctor. Folks who gnashed her teeth at their abominable stage.” Lilly stated, tapping the blue- David’s investigations on the stage rummage around abandoned buildings scraping. Stepping out, she proudly prints. were interrupted by a harrowing for fun. I suppose they’re a bit after lifted the keys. “Shift out of the way “What d’ya wanna go there for?” Da- scream from above. David instinctively your own heart,” smiled the Brigadier. then.” Lilly stepped up to the doors vid asked as he tugged at the stage looked towards the projection room. The Doctor looked back at the cataton- and stabbed a key into the lock; pieces curtain, finally making an opening for The wall behind him lit up brilliantly ic explorers, “Were they like this when snapped into brittle pieces. Finally, a Lilly to pass. with a blurred image, it was Lilly. She they were found? Have they said any- key slotted in and clunked heavily as “There will be film canisters up there. I was on the floor, flailing, covering her thing at all?” he asked. Lilly turned it. The doors shunted open, need material for my project. That’s eyes and screaming, “Don’t watch the “They were in hysterics, flailing wildly.

43 44 The police were on the scene but soon lute. “Yes, it’s highly infectious too and caus- tainly not the time!” The Doctor called us down. and From what little The Doctor turned away to spot Jo in- es delirium. I spotted small quantities barked fiercely. they were able to say, they had found vestigating a harsh, leaking crack in the on the explorers’ clothes.” The Doctor From the intense static a sly voice re- some kind of film and it appears that it wall nearby, “Come along Jo.” The threw the wooden shard away. “Not to sponded, “I think the time is now Doc- was that, which had this effect on Doctor gestured to the open double worry Jo, it can’t survive well in oxygen- tor. I implore you, head to the stage them. They passed out before they doors and politely guided the girl in ated environments; but be sure not to for your friend’s curtain call.” could give any more details. It would first. let it any of it onto your skin.” The Doctor set off in a sprint, rushing be wise if you and Miss Grant were to Jo gasped at the theatre, taking a mo- Jo climbed up carefully, assisted by the down to the stage, where he was met retrieve it before it can cause any more ment to admire its gothic architecture. Doctor, who then followed. Standing by the overbearing sounds of an or- damage.” The Doctor brushed past, strolling on the stage, the pair parted, with the chestra! The cinema had come to life “We’re up for it!” Jo bounced ahead, down the walkway. Feeling left out, Jo Doctor heading to the right and Jo to with laughter, cheering and jeers, all standing by the Doctor’s side. “I’ve al- sprinted to catch up. “What’s the plan the left. aimed at him. A sudden barrage of ways wanted time from work for a trip Doctor?” she asked, nearly tripping on The dressing room was astonishingly stage lights blinded him. to the pictures.” The Doctor and Jo the rubble. compact, despite the lavish building in looked at each other warmly, as they “Simple,” said the Doctor," I want to which it was contained. Jo scanned the turned to go towards the cinema. investigate the control room and the dust-ridden make-up desks with a In the projection room, Jo had been “Before you go, there’s a gentleman projection booth. Maybe get some in- torch. Items were preserved, frozen in tied to a stiff chair, which leant against who wants to talk to you, a Mister- formation about the projectionist who time. The mirrors were oddly pristine a tall, metallic cupboard. Ahead of her Dominic Dominar. He wants to com- used to work there; if it truly was a film with not a shade of dust or decay on was a figure cast in shadow, watching municate over the radio,” said the Brig- that caused this.” He inspected a shard them. As Jo looked at her reflection, the Doctor’s distress, its hands, adier. of wood in his hands. It was covered in something shifted behind her. She clasped together proudly. “Well Miss “Why didn’t he want to be here in per- a moss-like substance. turned, spotting an open door to the Grant, this could be the Doctor’s finest son? It’s a bit odd,” replied Jo. “What about me?” Jo enquired. offices. Jo cautiously wandered in, find- performance!” Finally, the figure “Nothing odd, Jo, I expect he doesn’t “You can explore the dressing rooms ing the office in pristine condition. turned towards the light… It was the want to become too involved. Perhaps and…” “What’s going on here?” she muttered Master! he’s worried about being held account- The Doctor was cut off by a displeased to herself; then jumped as the door “Whatever you’ve planned, the Doctor able,” stated The Doctor coldly. cough from Jo, “…The uninteresting, slammed behind her… A voice echoed and I will stop you!” exclaimed Jo, The lobby was surrounded by flood- least important areas?” She placed her out from the darkest corner of the struggling with her binds. lights and guarded by a group of sol- hands on her hips. room. “All will be explained Miss Grant. The Master just turned away, looking diers. One gripped a handheld radio “No, not exactly, we need information If you would be so good as to come back down at the Doctor. “I fear not and passed it to the Doctor. He pressed on what led to the collapse of this es- with me...” Miss Grant. The moss is distorting the the trigger down and spoke. “Good tablishment. The business office is ac- Doctor’s perception. He is incapable of day. This is the Doctor. Mr. Dominar?” cessed through the dressing room, I discerning fact from fiction!” The Mas- The radio crackled and fizzed as a voice trust you with the paperwork.” The The Doctor was investigating the com- ter chuckled. responded incoherently. “Yes, you’re Doctor looked more deeply at the plicated machinery at the heart of the “So, you were behind those young investigating my property, aren’t you? moss. control room. Gears and levers were people losing their minds?” asked Jo, Terrible business, I hoped to be there “Very well Doctor,” Jo huffed, reaching corroded with rust. “If the building has feeling the constraints loosen a little. myself, but I have other appointments, to climb onto the stage. Suddenly she no power, how did those explorers “They did that all of their own accord. I’m a busy man.” found herself being grabbed by the watch a film?” he tutted to himself. He It was most helpful of them to discov- “Yes, I’m sure you are,” the Doctor said Doctor. was still stroking his chin in puzzlement ering the reel’s effects for me,” the sarcastically and clicked the radio off. “Jo! Careful, this moss isn’t natural.” when the dials and levers began to shift Master responded, turning away to He looked towards the soldier, “What The Doctor demonstrated by prodding and grind to life on their own. “Good pick up a hexagonal film reel. was the point in that?” the wood with a finger. grief… It’s being remotely controlled! Jo gasped, “So, it’s not yours?” “I’m sorry Doctor, he insisted on having Jo’s eyes widened as she watched the But by whom?” The radio buzzed vio- “Precisely, I needed subjects to test it - a direct line to you,” the soldier re- moss move away from the invading lently in the Doctor’s jacket, forcing him hence the usefulness of those young plied, straightening his back for a sa- finger… “Oh, my word, is it alien?” to answer it. “Mr Dominar, now is cer- explorers; and now the Doctor will

45 46 gladly view this ‘feature presentation’. was cast in a white light. To the sound gun at her. been for the leading lady!” The pair The Master laughed mightily, while of the flicker of the projector the ne- “You have interfered with my plans for laughed as they headed towards Bes- locking the reel into place. farious film reel played again. the last time!” he said through gritted sie. Below, Jo could see the Doctor contin- teeth, as his finger tightened on the The voice of the Brigadier caused them uing to falter; his mind clearly trigger. At that moment, a spinning to pause and turn, “Doctor! The film swamped with whatever it was he be- Jo had loosened her binds enough to film canister crashed into his hand. reel… Is it…?” lieved he could see and hear. Then he wriggle a hand free. As she untied the The Master recoiled in pain, his eyes “Yes Brigadier, destroyed in the stood still, closed his eyes, breathed other, Jo spotted a mound of living staring daggers at the proud silhouette flames, and good riddance too! As for deeply and spoke in a loud, clear moss. of the Doctor in the doorway. those young explorers, keep them iso- voice. “This is an illusion, I deny it…” “The power of the silver screen… Imag- “It’s over Master, take a bow and give lated; they’ll recover. It wasn’t the film The Doctor exhaled. Jo could see that ine it, an entire universe at my dispos- yourself up.” The Doctor stepped in after all. The Master had unwittingly he had cleared his mind of the fog, al.” As the Master monologued, Jo and stood next to Jo, who smiled brought with him a psychoactive alien revealing the decrepit cinema once edged towards the pulsing mound. warmly up at him. substance!” more. Grabbing a rusted film can lid, she “I will not!” bellowed the Master, “My word, is it contained?” asked the scooped up some of the moss and blasting the floor to mask his escape Brigadier, baffled. moved surreptitiously towards the and retreating into the metallic cup- “Come out from the shadows, face me “Oh yes, the oxygen in your atmos- Master. board. Through the smoke and crack- now!” the Doctor’s voice boomed. phere was suffocating it. The fire has “I’m not a fan of action movies,” she les of fire, a familiar wheezing and A sly voice echoed back, “I think not destroyed it now. The residue on the called to him. groaning echoed out. The Master and Doctor; for I am the ‘Master’ of cere- explorers will soon die off too. Keep The Master chuckled, without turning his cupboard had disappeared. monies!” this site condemned and contained. around, “Is that so? I suppose you “There’s no time to waste Jo, head The Doctor clenched his fist. “Of We can’t be having anymore spelunk- couldn’t understand them…” downstairs! Tell the Brigadier to fall course, it’s you…” He muttered under ers chancing their lives!” “No, nothing like that…” Jo readied the back. I need to make sure that film his breath. Jo waved goodbye as they hopped into film can, “I prefer a good comedy… reel is destroyed!” called the Doctor “Indeed Doctor! This cinema has been Bessie. one with lots of slapstick. My favourite over the roaring flames. Jo nodded, most suitable for my purposes.” “You know Jo, it’s rather a pity that gag involves a pie to the face!” she sprinting out of the projection room, “Which are?” cut in the Doctor, kneel- you don’t have drive-in cinemas here. I yelled, startling the Master and caus- hurrying to escape the collapsing ing to lift a piece of -moss ridden would have enjoyed that today,” ing him to turn around suddenly. With structure. She turned back to see the wood. smiled the Doctor, putting the roadster all the force she could muster, Jo Doctor rummaging through the rubble “This ‘reel’, although primitive, will into gear. whacked him in the face with the can! and retrieving the hexagonal film reel. assist me in my conquest of this plan- The Master yelped in pain, clutching As she watched, he shook his head et! I can bring forth creatures unimagi- his face as he stumbled around. Jo got and tutted, tossing the reel into the nable to the primitives of this world. to work, dismantling the projector. It raging flames. Those young people caught a glimpse stuttered and finally broke into pieces, Jo and the Brigadier stood helpless as of a truth too unbearable for them to stopping the film as the images ripped the cinema burst into a hellish inferno. comprehend!” and split apart, shattering the Doctor’s They waited nervously for any signs of The Doctor retorted with a sly smirk, illusion! Jo yelled down to her friend, the Doctor but as the building col- “Enough of this showboating. Where’s “Doctor! I’ve stopped him! I’ve de- lapsed there seemed to be little hope. Jo?” The theatre suddenly went cold; stroyed the projector!” “I’ve seen this film before,” came a the Doctor’s breath became a thick The Doctor broke from his trance, ris- familiar voice from behind them, as mist. The abandoned surroundings of ing suddenly to his feet, “I’m coming the Doctor placed his hands on their the cinema became a frozen waste- Jo!” he yelled, breaking into a sprint. Jo shoulders. land. Ahead of him was a ghastly crea- turned, proud of herself; but was met Jo spun around and hugged her friend ture with matted white fur. Its yel- with a horrifying sight. Even with the with relief. “I thought you had snuffed lowed claws swiped at the Doctor, moss crawling on his face the Master it back there!” forcing him to dive away. The Doctor had the composure to aim a concealed “Well Jo, I would have, if it hadn’t had

47 48 sodes. I bought ‘The Five Doctors’ and A Wonderful Time was transported back to my ten-year-

old self. So now, twentyish years later by West Hubbard my love for the show is bigger than it ever was as a child. It makes me feel When I was about ten or eleven, I was better whenever I watch it. The science flipping through the channels one Sat- in the episodes makes me smarter, the urday night and I came across a show Doctor’s attitude towards everyone that would change my life. I could stay makes me a more tolerant, kind per- up later on the weekends. Our local son. I feel like I would not be who I am PBS station was having one of their today without Doctor Who. pledge breaks, and they had people in crazy costumes, so I stopped on the Watching classic Who as an adult has channel and watched for a few changed how I look at character and minutes. The announcer was talking story. Before, I just saw the monsters about an exciting new show that was and the heroes battle it out every about to come on. It was called Doctor week. As an adult, a lot of the story- Who and it was about time travel. lines resonated with me in a way that They then showed ‘The Five Doctors’ it never could when I was a child. and that was it. I did not understand what was happening on the screen for When the Blu-ray collections were an- most of the episode, but I was hooked! nounced, I was excited. Here was my chance to own as many of these epi- Over the next few years, I was intro- sodes as I can. The price is reasonable, duced to most of the classic doctors and they look stunning. I fell in love every Saturday night at ten. I started with Big Finish’s audio dramas, and attending local conventions and met a there are proper action figures! It is a few of the actors, bought as many tar- wonderful time to be a Doctor Who get books as I could, and when the VHS Fan. copies of episodes started showing up, I bought those as well. I learned as When the new series was announced, I many facts about the show as I could. I was sceptical. I was blown away. The knew directors’ names. I had favourite writing, the effects and acting were writers like Robert Holmes and got amazing. It was sleek and exciting, and excited when one of their episodes added to the overall world of the show was on the screen. I got to meet some without forgetting the past. of the actors who played the Doctor. I met many companions! Each actor that has portrayed The Doc- tor continues to add to the success of As I got into my college years, and Doc- the character. I don’t know what my tor Who had gone off the air my inter- life would be like without Doctor Who, est started to wane. When I hit my but I can say that it is a lot better with thirties, I had almost forgotten how it. much Doctor Who had meant to me. I was at a mall bookstore and in the DVD section they had Doctor who epi-

49 50 Time War 4

Review by Rik Moran The Eighth Doctor Time War series has, like most Eighth Doctor audios, been of a very high standard. Even volume 3, which I thought was one of the weaker parts, was much better than many oth- er audios in the genre. Listening to vol- ume 4 now, I realise that maybe Vol- ume 3 needed that dip for volume 4 to rise and soar. This set begins with the two-part story ‘Palindrome.’ The writer John Dorney crafts a very Moffat-esque story, with shine. It's another outstanding story paradigm Daleks?) for a bit of continui- alternate dimensions, time going back- for Paul McGann's Doctor, who contin- ty or fan service. Take your pick. wards and forwards and Terry Molloy ues to skirt the edges of what he can acting his socks off. It is very good but and should do while saving the day for The Eighth Doctor Time War volumes complicated and not everything will be those caught in the middle. Rakhee have all been good, but this volume is explained at the end. Thakrar's Bliss again gets to take a cen- tremendous. It is by far the best so far tral role. Davros even comments on and from the way it ends, I’m guessing ‘Dreadshade’ has the hard task of fol- her pragmatism, which could be a it won’t be the last one. lowing ‘Palindrome’, but is far from a great road of character development weak episode. Its exploration of a uni- for Bliss in future audios. Terry Mal- verse after the Time War is rather intri- loy's Davros continues to be exception- To listen to the trailer for ‘Time War guing and we find out that even in vic- al, especially in how he manipulates Volume 4’ at Big Finish click here tory, the Time Lords are far from be- every piece still standing on the board, nevolent. Julia Mackenzie returns as and his final moments are frankly You can buy the download or CD from the Twelve in this story having escaped chilling, as he finds a new role to play Big Finish here from her stasis chamber to cause hav- in the War regardless of whether he To buy the CD from Amazon UK click oc on Gallifrey. Paul McGann's Doctor has a choice or not. Terry has been here is paired together with Ken Bones' given so much freedom across this vol- General in a tense siege situation ume to delve deeply into the character against an old foe, while companion of Davros and has brought that explo- Bliss' full humanity is put on display. ration wonderfully to life for us to lis- VORTEX This episode gives us the greatest in- ten to. sight into the character of Bliss that The regular Big Finally, a special mention for Nicholas we’ve had since her introduction Finish magazine Briggs who once again supplies the Moving on to the finale ‘Restoration of menace as the Daleks and especially as available for free the Daleks,’ and there is a lot of stuff the Dalek Time Strategist. The Strate- download at the crammed in here. Despite this every gist even mentions the Cult of Skaro website—click element is as strong as it needs to be, and those awful Tele-Tubby style, here especially with the cast, who really do (sorry I should use their proper name -

51 52 of Doctor Who. For fans it is absolutely locations? CM: What kind of reactions have you Interview: the ultimate experience. seen to ‘A Dalek Awakens’ or other CJ: We’re the most exciting venue rooms with a similar theme? A Dalek Awakens CM: Does it tie in with Timelord Victori- there is! Currently Birmingham is one ous, and if so how? of our newest locations, with 110 now CJ: It isn’t our first Doctor Who game, Nick Smith talks to across the country. Rooms do vary a we have another one called ‘Worlds Courtney Jarrett CJ: Although it doesn’t tie in, A Dalek bit location to location; we have our Collide' in Birmingham, which centres Awakens relies heavily on the presence virtual reality here that only features around a different Doctor Who villain. A windowless room is darkened by the of Doctor 13. in a couple of other locations. The response to that was fantastic echo of a sinister voice. It’s not quite when it opened a couple of years ago, human, syphoned through a thousand CM: What is your involvement as the CM: How do the at-home 'remote' and we’ve seen some of the same peo- years of rust and hate. You are trapped Games Master? How much creative rooms work? What has the response ple who went to play that game come with a rogue Dalek, slowly coming to control do you have? to them been like? to play ‘A Dalek Awakens’ as well and life. we’ve seen them just as impressed if CJ: As a GM I have a little bit of an om- CJ: I was lucky enough to be involved not more after already playing a Doc- Rather than a TV episode, this is an nipotent presence in order to be able in the testing phase of the remote tor Who game. So, the response seems escape room. If you find watching a to guide people around that room. But games and I got to experience them as to be improving. Dalek story creepy or disconcerting, I put myself as almost a co-pilot. The a player. It was a lovely, pleasant sur- then getting up close and inhuman person with the most control and the prise. It really felt like the closest thing CM: How do you feel now it's all put with one is sure to get your blood rush- most decision-making ability is always you can get to just being in the room. together? ing (don’t worry, it’s got a PG rating of the player in that room, it’s down to Obviously, nothing can quite match 8 and up). them to guide their own experience a the experience of stepping in a physi- CJ: We opened ‘A Dalek Awakens’ a bit and the way they figure things out, cal room. However, in the kind of couple of weeks before lockdown, In Escape Hunt’s ‘A Dalek Awakens’, 2- the way they approach it and what times we’re going through, it really is when everyone wasn’t allowed to go 6 players spend an hour as the Doc- they do when they approach some- the next best thing and has been really out. So in the months leading up to our tor’s friends on a dying spacecraft, with thing. helpful and great fun for a lot of peo- opening it was really a stressful time, a Dalek that is draining the ship’s pow- ple. we were in all the time making every- er. Cut the Daleks’s power source, and CM: What is your personal interest in thing perfect and ready for opening. you also cut life support to thousands this room? Are you familiar with Doc- of passengers. You can stop the Dalek tor Who or is this simply a job for you – but do you have the right? (it's OK, we won't judge).

Cosmic Masque bumped into Games CJ: I grew up watching Doctor Who Master Courtney Jarrett at Birmingham and did for years and years until 10 or Resorts World and interrogated him… 11. At that point I stopped watching it, that is, we asked him some questions got into other things. I grew up. But as about the new attraction, and what it’s we started opening A Dalek Awakens like to run a Who-themed room. here and I saw little bits of the props being put in, as it was built it really Cosmic Masque: What is the Dalek tugged on that nostalgia string and I Awakens game? How does it work and have since gone back, watched what is it like to experience the room? through all of them and still watch them weekly now. Courtney Jarrett: A Dalek Awakens is our newest live escape game, it truly CM: What is special about the Birming- feels like stepping into an hour episode ham location? Is it different from other

53 54 When everything happened, we were- place so guests can ‘play safe,’ includ- before, but I’m loving what he is doing n’t able to see all our hard work pay off ing social distancing, PPE and deep Lytton issue 1 here. Renshaw’s paintwork is vivid and for a long time, although now we’re cleaning. Escape Hunt has received brings the comic to life and is essential back at Escape Hunt and of course accreditation from hospitality bodies Review by Rik Moran to setting the tone. things have changed a little bit. We’ve like Visit England and the AA. For those made it as safe as we possibly can dur- not quite ready or able to venture out Cutaway Comics’ debut issue of Lytton This is a great solid start to the Lytton ing these times. It’s great seeing people and try the room, there’s the play-at- focuses unsurprisingly, on the charac- range, and I will certainly be checking enjoying the game and all the hard home Dalek game ‘The Hollow Planet'. ter of Lytton, created by Eric Saward out future issues. work we’ve put into it so yeah, it felt for his Resurrection of the Daleks sto- good seeing it all come together. In this original adventure, you investi- ry, and then featured again in Attack I give this volume 7/10 gate a mysterious signal from planet- of the Cybermen. CM: What are you going to do next? oid TG-88.3Ω. Will the Daleks ever The Comic Book is available with a learn not to carve out the hearts of Lytton is interesting. It was noticeable choice of covers that you can view at CJ: I guess what’s next is, we’ve opened planets and take them for joyrides? from his Doctor Who appearances the Cutaway Comics website. Copies another Escape Hunt venue in Norwich. You can print out the game and find that there was more to him, and that bought directly from the publisher also The plan is once everything is getting out. Courtney won’t be there to guide he was a deeper character, than what include a free DVD about the range. settled there, we are going to take ‘A you but the Doctor’s presence will al- we actually got to see. Eric Saward did Dalek Awakens’ to it so we’ve spent our ways be felt. get to him further in his novelisations For more information and to buy you time honing how to run these games in of the two television stories and now can visit Cutaway Comics here. ‘Lytton’ a COVID-safe environment so we can For more information on ‘A Dalek with this comic book, it’s another op- is available as a print magazine and a take that to Norwich. Awakens’ and to see how you can take portunity to continue with that devel- download part visit Escape Room here opment.

Courtney seems to be having a blast For ’Worlds Collide’ click here In this first issue we are introduced to mastering ‘A Dalek Awakens’, honing it some supporting characters, Wilson, as more visitors flock to the room. He’s The play-at-home game, ’The Hollow Miss L and Mr Shend. We’re also giv- had the added challenge of ensuring a Planet’ can be found here en our first questions to ask: Who are number of COVID measures are in they? What relationship do they have to Lytton? Why is Mr Shend willing to pay Lytton so much for Wilson?

We get just enough information in this first issue to lay the groundwork for the story, and I can’t help but wonder that with noises in the sewer, we may have been given a clue that the con- clusion of the story could be linked to ‘Attack of the Cybermen’ in some way. I guess I will have to read future issues to find out. And that’s the thing; I shall, because this story from Eric Saward has left me wanting more.

An important part of any comic book is the artwork. I wasn’t personally aware of Barry Renshaw as an artist

55 56 the time, no reptiles emerged to drag For the Love her away. I read ‘Marco Polo’ on a long car journey to Cornwall and ‘Time- of Target Flight’ on a plane to the primordial beaches of Denmark. At school, we Review by Nick Smith were asked to list our summer reads; I wrote down the story titles sans Doc- It took me about an hour to walk three tor Who to make myself look well- miles home from school, from Bristol’s read; Terrance Dicks cropped up a lot historic Park Street to my home in on my list. Knowle. It was cold and I was exhaust- ed. There was a hole in my shoe and it There was a cakemaker in my neigh- was letting in water. borhood who custom-baked confec- tionary for kids, a Willy Wonka with a I could have bought a bus ticket – the whisk. My mum asked her to make a route stopped right near my house. TARDIS birthday cake for me with But I was saving the money for some- room for sixteen candles. That is how I thing else. A new Target book was due ended up with a sticky coating on my out mid-month. copy of ‘An Unearthly Child’, which the great British baker borrowed as a visu- Doctor Who novelizations had been a al reference. Although I never got the part of my childhood since I could re- icing off that prized paperback, the member. I’d been hooked by David cake was delicious. Whitaker’s imaginative descriptions in books like The Crusaders and the The Fifth Doctor’s books were glossy quaint illustrations that went along and newfangled with their neon-style with them. I was also intrigued by the logos and photographic covers. By the differences between the books and the Sixth Doctor’s era, the much- synopses in DWM. ‘Doctor Who in an anticipated 100th book (‘The Two Doc- Exciting Adventure with the Daleks’, tors’) had a silver cover and tight Rob- starting with a car crash rather than a ert Holmes prose. Like his coat, a cou- junkyard police beat, was one of my ple of the Sixth Doctor’s covers were first hints of how adaptable and -all garish. A Gastropod graced ‘The Twin encompassing the show could be. Yes, Dilemma’, after Colin Baker’s face was the Doctor can travel and exist in par- removed for fear of having to pay him allel dimensions but I like Timothy royalties. If you could judge a book by Zahn’s theory, which he applies to the its cover, then ‘Slipback’ was a freakish non-canon Star Wars books: they’re and pestilent read; Captain Slarn like an oral history, legends told and sneered out of space, his head as big retold with variations as they’re passed as the TARDIS. through generations. It was great to see so many lost or I read ‘The Sea Devils’ at the local hard-to-find stories get novelized by swimming pool while my favoured such writers as Nigel Robinson (whose little sister Becky butterflied around in adaptations included ‘The Sensorites’) the water. Disappointingly for me at and John Peel, who specialized in Da-

57 58 lek stories. This was my first -in depth being a super dry read. While the experience of many lost First and Sec- Fourth Doctor’s slimmer books, like ond Doctor stories. Others seemed ‘Image of the Fandahl’, are fun to whip destined never to be adapted, such as through, one wonders what might scripts by Douglas Adams and Eric have been if they’d been written with Saward along with a few Skaro sagas. the depth and detail of the ‘60s books. The publication of ‘Power of the Da- Barbara Clegg, Jane Baker, Alison leks’ and ‘Evil of the Daleks’ in 1993 Bingeman and Rona Munro are the indicated that anything was possible in only female authors in the original Tar- the world of WH Allen and Co. get run, indicating how male- dominated the series was. As the ‘90s beckoned, the kids who’d grown up with Target were becoming I should have spent my youth reading more sophisticated. The books fol- Proust, Plato or Carl Barks’ Scrooge lowed suit thanks in particular to Marc McDuck. But for a lonely wordaholic Platt and Ben Aaronovitch, who added who suffered from depression, the Tar- extra depth to televised adventures get novelizations gave me something and paved the way for Virgin’s New to save up for, invest in and look for- and Missing Adventures. ward to. With their higgledy-piggledy numbering and trying-to-be-uniform After I left school, I got a plum job as a spines, they were worth all the time, clerk in a small trademark and patent money and shoe leather spent on office. I was more interested in reread- them. ing my First Doctor books than dusty law tomes. A big salary and legalese I sold most of my Target books to help weren’t for me. I was sent packing and fund my emigration to America. I became an author instead, inspired in couldn’t bear to part with some, part by amazing writers like Dicks, though; Donald Cotton’s quippily Whittaker, Malcolm Hulke and Brian written ‘Gunfighters’, for example. His Hayles. clever and amusing writing is refresh- ing after the solid adaptations from his Terrance Dicks’ work remains familiar peers. ‘Mission to the Unknown’ and and reassuring, from his descriptions of ‘The Mutation of Time’, two books that the TARDIS and companions to the span ‘The Daleks’ Masterplan’; warm regard for the show that’s obvi- ‘Inferno’ and ‘The Cybermen’. Those ous from his storytelling. Through the books sit on my 20-year-old son’s books, I felt like I got to know Dicks and bookshelf now. When I visit him, other authors like Ian Marter and John sometimes when he’s not looking, I Lucarotti. I heard their earnest voices read a few pages and I’m transported and experienced the Doctor’s adven- back to simpler days of a man with a COSMIC MASQUE tures along with them. young-old face, a wheezing, groaning ship and an affordable paperback way What is it to ‘be a fan’? Cosmic Masque is all about fandom. Not all the books were a success. to escape into danger. Somehow, I got through Tony Att- View our full range of downloadable editions here wood’s spinoff book ‘Turlough and the Earthlink Dilemma’ twice, despite it 60 59 60

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