1 Greetings faithful reader and welcome A couple of decades ago, whilst still a once again to Cosmic Masque. student, I wrote an unsolicited submis- sion of a third Doctor novel for the BBC We’ve got some great stuff for you in Past Doctor range. Expecting a swift this issue including Neil Davies story rejection, I was delighted to receive a ‘Devil Woman’ which concludes what two page response clearly showing that began in ‘Reunion of The Rani’ last my book had been read and analysed issue. at length.

There are features on Colourisation Encouraged, I reworked the idea as a and 3D as well as the second part of sixth Doctor script for the then nascent my feature on the Twitch marathon this Big Finish range (at a time when they time covering the Second Doctor. considered unsolicited manuscripts). Again, I received positive comments, We’ve also got an interview with The but it was felt that the story was un- Greatest Show In The Galaxy’s Flower workable due to various considerations Girl and our usual plethora of reviews including the number of characters. for you to devour. Sadly, real life took over and post- So sit back, put your feet up and delve degree I had to concentrate on working into this issue. Dickensian hours and gaining my ac- countancy qualifications. The career Enjoy! took over and life became the mundan- ity of work and sleep and eating chips. Rik Writing was put on hold indefinitely as mortgages and family took hold.

Then Russell T. Davies gave Doctor Who back to the masses, enthralling Published by The Doctor Who Appreciation Society the UK (and beyond) including my twin P O Box 1011, Horsham, RH10 9RZ, UK children. My son in particular was a reluctant reader but then became a Editor: Rik Moran voracious consumer of my old Target Fiction Editor: Steven Hatcher books despite access to every DVD of Layout: Paul Winter the classic series. I was continually Front cover: Marshall Tankersley surprised at the lack of novelisations of Rear cover: Ian Fraser new Who. I firmly believed that despite this day and age of endless satellite www.dwasonline.co.uk repeats, readily available DVDs and email: [email protected] omnipresent internet streaming, there is still a market for novelisations. All content is (c) DWAS/contributor. Doctor Who is (c) BBC 1963, 2019, no copyright infringement intended I therefore set about writing my own novelisation of “Doctor Who – Rose”,

2 initially to encourage my 10 year old son to read.

My biased, undiscerning son egged me on to submit it to BBC Books. This time, I did get the standard rejection letter stating that I should use a Writers’ Agency and submit to various publish- ers, completely missing the point that I was working with their copyrighted ma- terials.

Subsequently, I added to the manu- script after Russell T. Davies revealed additional scenes in Doctor Who Maga- zine’s Fact of Fiction article on “Rose”. I sent the amended book to DWM for possible serialisation but received no response – in truth, fiction was never a good fit with DWM, so the silence was not unexpected.

My version of “Rose” had one final life when Candy Jar Books had an open submissions period for their Lethbridge- Stewart range and requested a finished sample of work. I was delighted to re- ceive a glowing reply from range editor, that they could not pass on the manu- Andy Frankham-Allen, describing the script for copyright reasons – apparent- book as “well written”. The novel had ly, there were legal concerns that my clearly been read as I received some work based on his work could result in very useful feedback around dialogue plagiarism! The World is quite clearly and the action identifying the speaker. mad. Excitingly, I also received writer’s guidelines for the Lethbridge-Stewart Once the official version of “Rose” was range. However, sadly my subsequent published, I attended the signing event storyline did not receive a response, at Forbidden Planet in Shaftesbury Av- although I suspect Candy Jar were in- enue intending to thank Russell per- undated with submissions. sonally. Working in Kent, I arrived half an hour after the signing session had And then came the news that Target started only to be told by staff that they Books were to relaunch. Not surpris- had been surprised by numbers of at- ingly, “Rose” was chosen as one of the tendees and I was refused entry. I initial titles. I immediately sent my ver- gave the rather baffled member of staff sion to Russell T. Davies via his agent a copy of my manuscript and covering in the vain hope that anything of my letter for Russell, which quite possibly hack attempt would be of interest was consigned to the nearest ‘round (gratis natch). The agency stated that file’. they would pass on my comments where I had thanked Russell for giving I later purchased the new Target books “Doctor Who” back to my children, but from Amazon. Not unexpectedly, Rus-

3 sell’s genius shines through his prose, – 1st trip in the TARDIS and his renowned characterisation is • Chapter 7: The Wheel of Fortune expanded as he makes the reader privy – The London Eye to characters’ innermost thoughts. • Chapter 8: The Creature from However, I was pleased to see a refer- the Pit – Below the Eye: the ence to a certain New Year encounter Nestene Lair with the tenth Doctor (which was the • Chapter 9: Terror of the Autons – basis for my entire prologue) and an Mannequin mayhem expanded scene in Clive’s shed. • Epilogue: The Human Factor –

The Doctor’s pursuit of Rose Russell T Davies stated in DWM that he barely referred to the television seri- Excerpts from My Novelisation: al whilst writing the book. I suspect that Clive’s Shed he knocked it out over a short period although you cannot tell from the bril- liance of the end product. I am abso- At the bottom of a small, tidy garden stood the lutely certain that he did not agonise shed. The plot had a little patch of lawn with a over every word over a two year gesta- path running down one side. The grass was tion period as was the wont of this hack littered with a blue mini seesaw, a skateboard author. and a yellow spacehopper. Flowerbeds ran alongside the bordering fences, lush with I am proud of my version of “Rose” greenery, the occasional spring bloom giving which will never see the light of day the odd splash of colour. other than in my son’s bedroom. The path terminated at a metal door into a Noone will see my cheeky reference to small but impressive, pebble-dashed outhouse. the Moment, nor my inclusion of the Clive’s garage had long since lost the ability to “Do you wanna come with me?” fireball house a car; it was now taken over completely trailer from the Nestene lair. I attach by his obsession. below a couple of excerpts giving my The only concession to its former use was a version of Clive’s shed scene and an bicycle hanging down from the corrugated ceil- epilogue showing the Doctor’s pursuit ing. A naked lightbulb illuminated cluttered of Rose. Additionally, I was very happy surfaces around the edges and worktops in the with my fan-pleasing chapter structure: middle covered with books and folders. One wall was hidden by metal shelving racks hous- • Prologue: Full Circle – Rose’s ing countless files and additional folders. encounter with the 10th Doctor Clive made his way over to the shelving with on New Year’s Eve Rose trailing in his wake. ‘A lot of this stuff’s quite sensitive,’ he said earnestly. ‘I couldn’t just send it to you. People might intercept. If • Chapter 1: The Invisible Enemy – The Nestene Consciousness you know what I mean,’ he added conspiratori- hanging in space ally. ‘How do you know I’m not one of those • Chapter 2: An Earthly Child – “people”?’ she asked mischievously. Introduction to Rose up to her ‘You say you’ve seen him,’ Clive replied. ‘The initial encounter: “Run” Doctor, and the blue box. Was he carrying • Chapter 3: Inferno – Blowing up anything, a device, or…?’ He left the question Henrik’s hanging. • Chapter 4: The Hand of Fear – ‘He’s got this sort of metal tube thing,’ con- The autonomous Auton arm firmed Rose. ‘It sort of…chirps.’ Clive closed • Chapter 5: Doctor Who? – his eyes and exhaled, blissful at the affirmation. Clive’s shed ‘Did I pass the test?’ she asked. • Chapter 6: Inside the Spaceship ‘Absolutely,’ grinned Clive. He riffled through 4 the shelving pulling down cardboard folders community. There are different forums all in- from between box files and A4 ring binders. He terested in similar areas – conspiracy theorists, splayed the contents across the central work- government and military cover ups – that sort tops for Rose to peruse. ‘You see, if you dig of thing. Most of the photographs are security deep enough,’ Clive continued, ‘and keep a stills taken from CCTV cameras. I found one lively mind, then this “Doctor” keeps cropping very useful contact – although I couldn’t help up, all over the place. He’s in political diaries, thinking she was holding out on me for some conspiracy theories, even ghost stories.’ Clive’s reason – anyway, she unearthed loads of these enthusiasm for his subject dropped in volume in the archives of ‘Metropolitan’ magazine. as he adopted a more hushed, reverential tone. Apparently, the editor ran shy of running the ‘No first name, no last name, just “the Doctor”, articles, setting up a fiction strand as the stories always “the Doctor”. And the title seems to be were considered too outlandish.’ Clive barely passed down, from father to son. It appears to paused for breath. be an inheritance. Initially, we thought the Rose shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, Doctor was some kind of code name for a scien- now seriously concerned that she was trapped tific advisor to the military,’ postulated Clive. in a garden shed with a grade-A nutcase. She ‘You mean like Q in James Bond?’ asked Rose was very relieved that Mickey was waiting in referring to MI6’s fictional, gadget producing Q- the car outside the house. branch. Clive picked up on her unease, aware that he ‘Exactly,’ enthused Clive, frantically shuffling was losing his audience. He swiftly moved on through photographs on his worktop. He to another selection of photographs. ‘This was pulled out a selection of stills featuring a flam- the next incumbent in the role. Another Doc- boyantly dressed man wearing a frilly shirt and tor.’ Clive smiled what he hoped was a com- a selection of different coloured velvet smoking forting smile, encouraging Rose to take a look jackets and flowing capes. The man had a at the pictures. mane of white hair, but young eyes stared out Despite herself, Rose examined the documents. authoritatively from above a mighty nose. He A middle-aged man with manic eyes stared had a commanding presence in every photo- back from the images. In most of the photo- graph. graphs, he wore a broad brimmed felt hat, Rose glanced indifferently at the pictures. sitting atop a mop of unruly, curly hair, above a ‘Who is this?’ broad, toothy grin, and a ridiculously long multi ‘It’s the Doctor.’ -coloured scarf. ‘No it isn’t,’ countered Rose, a little sharply, her Clive selected one particular photograph show- disappointment evident. ing the gentleman in the grounds of a country Nonetheless, Clive beamed indulgently at his home. ‘This is the Doctor at Think Tank shortly unexpected guest. The pretty girl did not before the closure of this government funded match his usual stereotype of anorak wearing scientific elite. I’m sure that was the Doctor’s contacts from the conspiracy theorist under- doing.’ world. ‘It may not be your Doctor,’ he stressed, ‘Look this is all very impressive,’ started Rose warming to his subject, ‘but I can assure you, it exasperatedly. She reined herself back, tem- is a Doctor.’ He spread the photographs out in pering her tone, acutely aware that she was front of her. ‘This version appears the most stuck in a garden shed with man of unknown through our history. He appears to have been a mental capacity. significant player advising the United Nations.’ Gentle laughter emanating from Clive’s house Informative signs in the background of the im- reminded Rose of the nearby presence of his ages identified the figure to have visited loca- family, and helped quell some of her darker tions as diverse as Wenley Moor Research Cen- thoughts. ‘I’m sorry,’ Rose continued in a more tre and Stangmoor Prison. Rose feigned inter- placatory fashion, ‘but this still isn’t my Doctor.’ est, enquiring, ‘How did you get these photos?’ ‘Oh, it is your Doctor. He’s just wearing a differ- ‘Oh, I have various contacts in the internet ent face.’

5 ‘What?!’ Rose exclaimed incredulously, now pol Officer in Seville.’ utterly convinced of Clive’s insanity. She had ‘Oh, he’s multinational is he?’ asked Rose, satisfied herself that he was amiable enough, keeping up the pretence. but that didn’t stop him being unhinged. ‘Oh, yes. I believe he’s some kind of trouble- Frantically, Clive played his final gambit. ‘The shooter who’ll save the whole planet wherever Doctor isn’t just a code name to the United there’s danger.’ As Clive looked down at his Nations. We were wrong. The Doctor features collection of documents, Rose allowed a smirk throughout history, helping us in times of cri- to creep across her face, now utterly convinced sis.’ He threw a photograph down on the desk of Clive’s credentials as an amiable nutter. He immediately in front of Rose. An old man with selected another image portraying a younger a craggy face and white hair swept back from a man with chestnut curls also wearing a frock high forehead, wearing a cape affixed at the coat, this time in velvet green. ‘This Doctor neck over an Edwardian jacket and checked saved San Francisco at the turn of the millenni- trousers, was accompanied by a rotund gentle- um.’ man in a pinstripe business suit. ‘This Doctor The outhouse door was almost within reach. helped the civil service during the evacuation of Rose’s apprehension lifted and she prepared to London at the time of the opening of the Post make her excuses. Office Tower in 1966.’ As if anticipating Rose’s impending exit, Clive ‘He can’t be the same man,’ said Rose, slowly indicated the website photo on his p.c. which backing away from the worktop. had now loaded. ‘This one’s your Doctor, isn’t ‘But the imperious air, the eccentric dress sense it?’ – it all fits with the title.’ Desperate to con- ‘Yeah,’ confirmed Rose hesitantly. vince, he produced another photograph of a Clive seized his moment and threw his remain- diminutive man wearing a straw hat and a light ing photos across the worktop. Rose ignored jacket over an appalling tank top adorned with the young man in the fawn frockcoat and crick- question marks. ‘Another Doctor, even earlier. et sweater, because her attention was captured This one helped set up the Countermeasures by the many pictures of the leather-jacketed military taskforce in the early sixties.’ man with intense, compelling eyes staring out Rose stole a quick glance at the picture, noting from a shaven head with outsized ears. the umbrella with the extraordinary, red ques- Rose was drawn magnetically away from the tion mark handle that completed his ensemble. comfort of the exit, pulled back towards the ‘His dress sense is hardly subtle,’ said Rose worktop. ‘Oh my God,’ she whispered. ‘That’s conversationally, still backing away. him. That’s my Doctor!’ ‘Ah, if you want subtle, look at this Doctor.’ Clive drew her attention back to the internet Clive produced a picture of a rotund, blond, photograph. ‘I tracked it down to the Washing- curly haired man, wearing a knee length jacket ton Public Archive, just last year.’ He paused, sporting a hideous combination of colours on a flicking though more photographs, momentarily predominantly orange background. His bright distracted. ‘The online photo’s enhanced, but, yellow trousers terminated in boots covered err, if we look at the original…’ He rippled with bright orange spats. through a set of photos, each shot showing a Clive showed another image of the same man, widening angle of a very famous scene. As the this time sporting a multi-coloured waistcoat photographs pulled out, the leather-jacketed instead of the garish frock coat. Rose noted the man appeared in the large crowd lining the question mark motif on his collar, her interest road several rows deep. Rose’s eyes widened mildly piqued. His companion in the photo- in disbelief as she recognised the open topped graph was no less extraordinarily dressed; he car that was the focus of the Presidential mo- had a Beatle mop-top of greying black hair, and torcade in Dallas. was wearing a large black frock coat and baggy ‘November the 22nd, 1963, the assassination of trousers despite the evident bright sunlight. President Kennedy,’ Clive stated somewhat Clive pointed at the multi-coloured Doctor. redundantly. ‘And there he is.’ He pointed at a ‘This one’s wanted for impersonating an Inter- zoomed in photograph of the crowd that picked

6 out a head shot which had been annotated with ‘Right then,’ said the Doctor. ‘I’ll be off. Un- a red pen circle, a head topped with a crew cut less. I dunno…’ He shrugged his shoulders, and straddled by large ears. feigning nonchalance. ‘You could come with Rose squinted at the image. ‘Must be his fa- me. This box isn’t just a London hopper ther,’ she muttered unconvincingly. Agitated, y’know, it goes anywhere in the universe. Free her hand worried at her neck. of charge.’ Clive whipped around like a whirling dervish, There was a long pause, Rose smiling, holding sifting through files. ‘Going further back…’ His the Doctor’s gaze. hands alighted on another photograph, a black ‘Don’t.’ Mickey pointed a finger demonstrably and white image of the familiar man, now at the Doctor from his seated position on the dressed in formal wear of top hat and tails. tarmac. ‘He’s an alien. He’s a thing!’ Mickey ‘April 1912. This is a photograph of the Daniels concluded, wide-eyed with fear. family of Southampton, and friend.’ He pointed ‘He’s not invited,’ said the Doctor pointedly. at Rose’s Doctor. She shook her head in disbe- ‘What do you think?’ lief. The features were identical, not just a Rose opened her mouth, sorely tempted. But strong gene pool through the generations, but nothing came out. absolutely identical. ‘This was taken the day ‘You could stay here,’ continued the Doctor. before they were due to sail for the New World. ‘Fill your life with work and food and sleep, or On the “Titanic”,’ informed Clive. ‘But for some you could go anywhere.’ unknown reason, they cancelled the trip, and ‘Is it always this dangerous?’ asked Rose keenly. survived.’ A further rustling, produced a pencil ‘Yeah.’ The Doctor nodded enthusiastically. line drawing on thin paper. ‘And here we are – Concerned by the direction of the conversation, 1883, another Doctor.’ But he didn’t mean Mickey grabbed Rose around the waist. Rose another man with the same title. He was pur- rested an awkward hand on Mickey’s back. suing his theory that it was a title passed down ‘Yeah I can’t,’ she concluded half-heartedly. through the generations. ‘Look,’ Clive proffered ‘I’ve got to go and find my Mum. And the drawing in Rose’s direction, ‘the same line- someone’s got to look after this stupid lump.’ age. He’s identical.’ She slapped Mickey on the back with feeling. Depicted in the charcoal drawing was the same, The Doctor noticed her resentment, but did not recognisable silhouette – the ears, the same wish to make her decision any more difficult. three-quarter length leather jacket with the He viewed her with watering eyes. He covered wide lapels. It was impossible for the jacket to swiftly. ‘Okay,’ he said. Rose continued her have even been manufactured in this era. Clive goldfish impression, hesitant. The Doctor took back the drawing. ‘This one,’ he shook the paused hopefully, but nothing was forthcoming. paper, ‘washed up on the coast of Sumatra, on ‘See you around,’ he concluded with a heavy the very night that Krakatoa exploded.’ heart. He pursed his lips and stepped back into Like a fish on a hook, Rose was left hanging on the control room. He held Rose’s gaze for a Clive’s every word, completely wrapped up in brief moment, then closed the Police Box door. the myth that he was constructing. ‘The Doctor Rose looked longingly at the TARDIS as it faded is a legend, woven throughout history. When from view with its usual wheezing, groaning disaster comes, he is there. He brings the sound. The great engines whipped up a wind storm in his wake, and has one constant com- that rippled Rose’s long, blonde hair. Mickey panion.’ clung on to her for dear life. ‘Who’s that?’ enquired Rose, lost in his words. Rose squinted against the dust. And when she ‘Death.’ The frank revelation jolted Rose back opened her eyes, the TARDIS was gone. to reality. Pensively, she curled her lips and frowned. The man strode purposefully across the barren wasteland, the battlefield now eerily quiet *** apart from the whistling breeze. He hunched Epilogue his shoulders against the biting wind, holding the collar of his leather jacket closed at the

7 neckline. His eye smarted, the wind causing a tear to be released unbidden, trickling down his sharp cheekbone. At least… he could blame the wind. But with no independent observer, he was only fooling himself. Doubt reared its ugly head, so he redoubled his efforts, trudging through the thick mud, concentrating on the blue rectangu- lar object on the horizon. He maintained his focus for the rest of his short journey, trying to block out the dark thoughts Reluctantly, he had deployed the weapon of his that were threatening to overwhelm him. Fi- own design, and watched his enemies’ DNA nally, he arrived at his destination. He didn’t unravel before his eyes. look back. There should have been another way. The Doctor removed the Yale Key, inserted it In the past, his own people may have inter- swiftly into the lock of the Police Box and flung vened. For a race who prided themselves on a open the TARDIS’s doors. He marched up the policy of non-interference, there was a remark- ramp to the central hexagonal console, locked ably high level of involvement, particularly the doors and frantically worked levers and when their precious timelines were threatened. buttons throwing the machine into the However, there had been nobody around to time/space vortex. There was no particular stop him this time. And with great freedom, journey in mind, he just had to get away as came massive responsibility. quickly as possible. It was not the first time that he had reflected that there should have been another way. A wheezing, groaning sound erupted across the However, it was extremely rare for the Doctor empty battlefield, the noise of the great time ever to suffer from even a modicum of self- engines drowning out the whistling air currents doubt. as the Police Box faded from existence, de- He realised he needed a second opinion. parting with undignified haste. A deep, square A wise, old friend had once said to him that all impression was left in the sticky mud, an indeli- he needed was someone to pass him a test ble mark betraying the Doctor’s recent visit. tube and tell him how brilliant he was. The The TARDIS may have departed but the Doctor smiled as he recollected the Brigadier’s memory lingered longer. sage advice; the statement had seemed harsh *** at the time, but the Doctor now realised that there was more than a kernel of truth. The Doctor stared up at the cavernous ceiling of He needed a companion, an assistant, someone the console room, past the coral buttresses to bounce ideas off, someone to whom to show supporting the vast central column, allowing his off. He may even listen to their thoughts. He eyes to defocus as he tried to find his inner still needed a control, someone to reassure him, to point. The soft green lighting emanating from reaffirm his actions or, at the very least, not be the surrounding wall roundels failed to provide reviled by them. their usual calming influence. He had been tamed before by an Earth woman. Doubt continued to gnaw at his conscience, a A long time ago, when his explorations had wave of angst threatening to cripple him with begun in earnest, he had been accompanied by indecision. Finally, he was unable to hold the a couple of reluctant travellers, one of whom recent memories at bay any longer and his had been a history teacher from Earth – 1960s mind was assailed with unwanted images. London, England, to be precise. He smiled as He and his allies had given warnings, possibly he remembered Miss Wright with her immacu- too many warnings, endangering themselves. lately coiffured hair and selection of sensible But there was no reasoning with the opponent. sweaters; Barbara had taught him compassion,

8 values and a basic humanity. such detail as a trifling concern that only a few The Doctor had so much that he longed to for- humans would notice, he grabbed the scanner get, a dark past that he wished to well and truly tracing his path, eager for the journey to end, bury. A distraction, a reminder of the best in totally confident that he was taking the right humanity would serve him well. course of action. The Doctor remembered the Earth girl who had The ambient hum of the control room resumed made such an impression on him in such a short its positive tone. space of time during the Auton incident. He had a soft spot for humans having spent two Rose cradled Mickey’s head in her lap. His extended periods on their planet in exile, one mind had fled in terror, running screaming for voluntary, one less so. Sooner or later, most of the hills due to his recent trauma at the hands his peregrinations ended with the TARDIS re- (tentacles) of the Nestene Consciousness and turning him to Earth. The humans that he had its Auton foot soldiers. Slowly, his eyes began befriended had always shown him loyalty, and to focus once more, a flicker of recognition he felt that he had an enjoyable duty to be the behind his vacant stare. His ragged, shallow planet’s protector. breathing began to settle into slower, deeper Rose summed up everything that the Doctor breaths. admired in the human race. The blonde teen- Rose smiled at his soppy face as he looked up at ager had been feisty and brave, standing up for her with puppy dog eyes and returned a weak that which is right. She was curious, question- grin. Instantly, relief swept over her. However, ing and courageous. Inspirational. Loyal to her she found herself thinking about the incredible uninspiring boyfriend. Intelligent, if uneducat- Police Box and its charismatic pilot. She ed. ‘Yes,’ thought the Doctor – he could see glanced down at Mickey from her kneeling himself working well with her. position. She expected to feel guilt at her dis- The Doctor’s mood turned on a sixpence. He loyal thoughts, but was disturbed to experience was determined to keep busy, to occupy his a mild resentment at her lost opportunity. mind to drown out any dark thoughts. With a Litter skittered along the alleyway, carried by flurry of activity, he was a whirlwind of positive the winds generated by the recently departed actions, rushing around the hexagonal console, TARDIS. Rose gazed wistfully at the empty punching buttons and pulling levers. He turned space where the Police Box had stood, imagin- a cogwheel anticlockwise, spinning the coordi- ing the vague blue outline through which she nate programmer back through pre-logged could now see the colourful graffiti tagging the journeys. He was certain of safe arrival at the corrugated metal of the alley walls. The re- exact location at the exact point in time for vealed lamppost was meant to be a triple light, maximum impact. Because it was a journey but only one mournful bulb provided illumina- that he had made before. tion for the passageway. He was going back for Rose. To an independent onlooker, his single-minded Despite herself, Rose found that she was re- pursuit of his goal may have appeared sinister. gretting turning down the trip of a lifetime. The The alien Doctor would not have understood Doctor may have forgotten the detail, such as that viewpoint, utterly certain of the benefits to her fearful boyfriend Mickey, but he had just both parties. saved the Earth. She had the distinct impres- The vertical lights within the central column sion that he saved worlds on a regular basis. seemed to glow brighter, as they separated She found herself strangely drawn to the mys- before meshing together again in a repeated terious Doctor, even though minutes earlier she rhythmic pattern, sensing the Doctor’s new had felt an indignant rage at his treatment of found optimism. Mickey. A quiet hush seemed to descend upon the con- It did not matter anyway. Rose’s chance had trol room as the Doctor paused momentarily, gone. She felt sad, almost bereft. briefly concerned as to which shirt he had been Rose pulled herself together, resolute. ‘Come wearing when he last saw Rose. Dismissing on. Let’s go,’ she said to Mickey. She helped

9 him to his feet and, with an arm around his might have said no again. The Doctor’s self- shoulders guided him away in the opposite confidence was restored, and with Rose at his direction from the now empty space. Mickey side, he was ready to take on the evils of the rubbed the pins and needles out of his lower universe with renewed vigour. back as he limped along beside her. The blue, Police Box door slammed behind The echo of the departed TARDIS seemed to Rose. The lantern atop the stacked roof taunt Rose with its prolonged wheezing, groan- starting flashing once more, as the TARDIS de- ing sound, the wind of its slipstream tangling materialised with its accustomed rising and her long blonde hair around her face. The falling fanfare. trumpeting sound effect seemed to peak in Rose’s trip of a lifetime was underway. volume. Immediately, Rose whirled around. Before her astonished eyes, the blue Police Box If my submission in anyway prompted outline solidified, lantern flashing on top, as the somebody somewhere to relaunch Tar- TARDIS rematerialized on the exact same spot get Books by greater authors than I, I with a resounding thud in front of her. can dream of a job well done. Rose felt her heart thumping against her rib- cage, her pulse racing with excitement. Mickey Once again, thank you, Russell, for fearfully followed her gaze. giving ‘Doctor Who’ back to another The TARDIS doors opened revealing a beaming generation including my children. And Doctor. He straightened his leather jacket and to Steven, another writing genius, for smiled his most disarming smile. He folded his the continuation – just wait until you arms and leant nonchalantly against the door read his novelisation of “Day of the jamb, before delivering his killer line. Doctor”. ‘By the way, did I mention? It also travels in time?’ he asked innocently. The Doctor smiled Please support the Target books range. hopefully. Rose returned the smile. She could not believe her luck. The Doctor had returned for her, To buy ‘Doctor Who: Rose’ by Russell given her the second chance that she had so T Davies from Amazon UK click here desired. The Doctor stepped back inside the TARDIS, leaving the doorway open. Rose turned to face Mickey who was still slack- jawed and fearful. It was no contest. ‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘Thanks for what?’ asked a querulous Mickey. ‘Exactly.’ She leant in and gave him a brief peck on the cheek before unceremoniously disentan- gling herself. ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered, half sincerely to her shocked boyfriend. Beaming, Rose turned away from Mickey and raced towards the open doors of the time ma- chine with indecent haste. The moment seemed to stretch forever as the adrenaline pumped through Rose’s veins. Time stood still. It seemed to take Rose an age to run the short distance to the TARDIS, but even- tually she acquired her target. She was not going to miss out on a second chance. The Doctor’s smile broke into a broad grin. It genuinely hadn’t even occurred to him that she

10 this issue. My personal favourite is Will Brooks’s TARDIS in space with Red Crystals, it’s just glorious.

The Thirteenth Doctor comics range has got off to a fine start. Long may they continue. I loved this issue of Titan’s ongoing series of Thirteenth Doctor comics. Is- sue 4 in fact.

I have all of the Titan Doctor Who com- ics. Like many of the Big Finish audio dramas and numerous novels that have spanned the decades, much thought has clearly gone into the story, while making sure it fits into the established canon. It feels like an adventure that didn’t quite make it to screen.

Again, Rachel Stott’s depiction of the characters stood out for me. The Doc- tor continues to shine on the page. Stott captures well the downright hilari- ous facial expressions that Jodie uses, expressions that have had me creasing with laughter.

The companions too are recreated per- fectly, with Graham the grumpy grand- dad complaining away, Yaz the faithful companion filled with wonder at every new sight and Ryan the hands-on lad ready for action, and with a heart of gold. This, along with the wonderfully drawn backdrops make for an easy transition from viewer to reader, with the orange/gold glow of the Tardis radi- ating its warmth through the page with clearly inked outlines and shading blur- ring into each other in a rainbow of col- ours.

Much like the current series this comic breathes new life into the story and characters while still maintaining the feel of both classic and new Who sto- ries. As the Doctor would say herself, To visit Titan Comics and see the Doc- ‘Brilliant!’ tor Who range click here

There are 3 covers to choose from for

11

All images © Titan Comics 12 Maybe this series will get a better value re-issue in the future. As it stands though, the set is hardly a ’must have’.

You know, I am not especially im- pressed by this Series 11 Blu-Ray re- lease.

The steel-book artwork is lovely in it- self. The image has some kind of me- tallic paint applied so that the sunset looks reflective, and the effect is great. Other than this, there really isn’t much I’m liking.

The set is poor value for money, espe- cially as the New Year special ‘Resolution’ is not included. The Series 9 Blu-Ray at least was bookended by the preceding and following Specials, which let’s be honest, could easily have been done here.

The real disappointment though is the lack of the special features we have become so used to on Doctor Who re- leases. There is nothing new - every- thing is already available on the Doctor Who You Tube and social media pag- es, although there are some nice art cards included. But then, you can get art cards free with copies of Celestial Toyroom if you are a DWAS member!

The best new features are the com- mentaries - four of them. That’s right they don’t even give us a commentary for each episode. Those favoured are:

• The Woman Who Fell To Earth - Jodie Whittaker and Jamie Childs (Director) • Rosa - Mandip Gill, Malorie Blackman (Writer) and Alex Mer- cer (Producer) • The Tsuranga Conundrum - Mandip Gill, Suzanne Packer To view the blu-ray or DVD at Amazon (General Eve Cicero), Ben Bailey UK click here Smith (Durkas Cicero) and Nikki Wilson (Producer) To view the exclusive Steel Book at • Demons Of The Punjab - Mandip Amazon UK click here Gill, Shane Zaza (Prem), Vinay Patel (Writer) and Alex Mercer (Producer)

13 from Bonnie on her whole career not just Doctor Who, though of course that is talked about, including a bit on Big Finish. One of the things I particularly enjoy with the newer Myth Makers ti- tles, is that they can cover the Big Fin- ish releases, and more, whereas back when the range started, it was just the I’ve always loved the Myth Makers se- TV show to talk about. ries of interviews, especially the insider stories that you get to hear on them. Sophie’s uniquely personal perspective Originally I collected the range on VHS does introduce a fresh angle into the in the 90’s. At the time I was working in equation and as with her previous Myth a video store and whilst there I made Makers interviews, this is a wonderful the store stock the range, partly to watch. I for one certainly look forward make sure the store had a decent sci-fi to her next Myth Makers assignment. section, but mainly so I could make sure I got each new release as it came Myth Makers 140 – Bonnie Langford is out. an excellent addition to the range and I’m sure will be the first of many digital Anyway, I collected the whole range up purchases for me. Speaking of which, to the point DVD arrived in the early the digital media allows you to down- 2000s when I made the change. And load and/or stream the titles worldwide, now with Myth Makers 140, I made my so whereas the previous DVD/VHS first purchase on download media. I releases were hard to come by outside went Digital with Big Finish a while ago, of the UK this new media opens the so I guess it was just a matter of time titles to a whole new market. for others like Reeltime to follow suit. The formats may have changed over the years but the content remains ab- solutely quality.

This interview with Bonnie Langford is a specially extended 80 minute version of that found on ‘The Doctors’ DVD from Koch Media and is hosted by So- phie Aldred. I’ve not yet had the oppor- tunity to see Bonnie at a convention myself so came into this programme not knowing much about her life and career aside from Doctor Who and Bugsy Malone. I found this thoroughly interesting, as practically everything Bonnie said I was hearing for the first time.

Sophie does an excellent job leading the interview and it’s lovely to see the rapport that she and Bonnie clearly To buy this release from Reeltime Picture click share. Sophie had definitely put some here. thought into the questions being asked and gets a great deal of information To view the whole range click here. 14 very good, such as the section on the car chase and the part about the Dalek mutant, which was not for the most part CGI. Very interesting. But most of the programme falls into typical ‘Doctor Who Confidential’ territo- ry in that it has a high element of self- Much has already been said about the fact promotion and does not really engage the this episode was missing from series 11 viewer (or did not engage me anyway). box set and there have been many com- Even the feature on the creation of the Da- plaints about fans feeling ‘ripped off’ by lek machine contains very little on… well being forced to buy this or that. Doubtless creation of the Dalek machine! someone from the BBC put them into an armlock and marched them down to the There is nothing fundamentally wrong with DVD shop. Yawn! I am not going to discuss this DVD and it is better value that some that. Nor am I going to discuss the episode releases about other programmes I have because, really, that has been done to bought. It is just that the extra content is death hasn’t it? All I shall say is that whilst I very predictable and contains little new for have not been the biggest fan of the last more serious fans – though I am sure the series, feeling that a good portion of it was more casual Who-watching audience will not well written and that the main charac- love it. The transfer of the picture to disc is ters, in particular the Doctor have not been very good and it contains a Dolby 5.1 given the opportunity to develop, this partic- soundtrack option. In fact, this whole series ular episode was a good one. I did not see has benefitted from the higher production the apparent ‘anti Brexit bias’ in the UNIT values that the latest kit has brought. operations bit, nor did I find the section with Ryan and his Dad Aaron to be ‘convoluted’, The menus are supported with Segun or ‘laboured’. I think that those complaints, Akinola’s quite marvellous rendition of the like many others about the last series, are theme – I like this new version. It is a real from people who are determined to find departure from more recent offerings and fault with every little thing they see, right pays great homage to the Derbyshire ar- down to the crew location photos that ap- rangements whilst still bringing something pear on the internet. I very much hope that new. I was surprised the opening titles and series 12 can maintain this standard and theme were omitted from the special – I not drop off in quality in the way that series guess this may have been for timing rea- 11 did after the first few episodes. sons.

So, moving on to the DVD/Blu ray – what In summary, this DVD is a valid addition to do we all buy these for? Yes, it’s the extras. your collection, has a number of extra fea- That has always been the case hasn’t it? I tures to watch, but ultimately will tell you do not think I have ever sat through all six very little you did not already know. episodes of The Keys of Marinus in in one go since buying the DVD of it. Back in the ‘Dan Hall’ days I think we were spoiled with the wealth of extra content the classic era DVDs came with and as such, new series releases will always be held to those high standards. Now, ‘Resolution’ is just one episode, so it is less likely to get a suite of additional material. Nonetheless what we have here is a little disappointing. It is all very self-congratulatory. The series 11 overview is nice to watch but I found it hard to link the SF Extravaganza of ‘Games of Thrones’ proportions described in the pro- gramme with what I actually saw on TV. To buy the DVD from Amazon UK click here The same goes for the feature about the making of the episode itself. Some of this is and for the Blu-ray click here

15 In the first chapter, Call for the Dead by James Goss, we are introduced to the miserable world of Callous, frustrated mine owner Elliot King (Simon Ludders) and his nemesis, the calculating, self- serving Governor Teremon (played with deliciously offhand and dispassionate cruelty by Pippa Haywood), making King’s life a misery as she imposes Minor plot spoilers follow… punitive taxes on an already fraught business and abuses her power of I love Big Finish. The quantity of quality planetary defence to set up what is es- Doctor Who drama they produce is sentially a blockade between Callous astounding. For a long time, I only real- and the system at large. That business ly listened to the stories that actually is the mining of sueño ore (sueño is featured the Doctor, but bit by bit I Spanish for ‘dream’), a valuable com- started to buy the spin-offs, like modity useful for interstellar travel. Un- Gallifrey and the Bernice Summerfield fortunately, the properties of sueño series, and, wow, they really do add so mean that prolonged exposure to it much to this universe we all love so drives people insane. much. For the most part, the Master is no- One of the best things Big Finish does where to be seen. His influence howev- is give us more of characters we only er is indicated through the presence of ever really catch a tantalizing glimpse the servile, exploitable and ever-easily- of on television. The prime example of manipulated Ood race and their creepy this, of course, is the Eighth Doctor, but choral exclamations of “He is… He is… since December 2017 we’ve also been And you will obey…” (and we all know presented with stories featuring Derek who they mean). There is one Ood in Jacobi’s thrillingly sinister incarnation of particular – and this is one of my fa- the Master, aka the War Master, in his vourite things about this volume – who own excellent series, as well as ap- roams the forests of Callous carrying of pearances in the Gallifrey and UNIT all things an old telephone. For those ranges. on the receiving end, a familiar voice offers only difficult truths and, ultimate- December 2018 saw the much- ly, death. anticipated release of Vol 2 of the War Master range: The Master of Callous. When King’s daughter Cassandra Unlike Vol 1, which featured four es- (Maeve Bluebell Wells) turns up later, sentially separate stories, Callous is accompanied by her wife Martine one complete story divided into four (Samantha Beart) and an army of hefty chapters. trained Ood, to turn the mine’s fortunes around, she soon discovers that some- Set seemingly far from the Time War thing sinister is at work on Callous. on a struggling, isolated mining colony called Callous, ruled by a corrupt and Really what lies at the heart of this greedy governor, this is a story that opener, and pretty much across the builds slowly, allowing for an oppres- whole story, is flawed humanity. Tere- sive sort of tension that really pays off mon’s greed and abuse of power. in its brilliant climax. King’s single-minded obsession with his mine at the expense of his own

16 family. His daughter’s anger and failure ter involves Martine in his plans, which to understand or forgive, and her desire seem to be just getting his hands on a to prove herself her father’s superior. whole pile of sueño, though for what The perfect fodder for the Master’s par- reason we do not know yet. However, ticular brand of manipulation. things don’t go quite according to plan for our Time Lord renegade. The second chapter, The Glittering Prize, also by James Goss, takes place The third chapter in this story, Guy Ad- a year or so later. By this time, Cassan- ams’ The Persistence of Dreams, is a dra – Cassie – has full control of the very different sort of piece, a psycho- sueño mine and the profits are coming logical trip (and trip is the word) that in. Using biodampers to protect them centres on Martine, who sits alone from the sueño’s mind-altering compo- guarding a haul of sueño on an aster- sition, the Ood have become integral to oid, waiting for Oreman to come get her the fortunes of Callous. With and basically losing her mind. Though offworlders also using the colony now, you could argue Persistence does very the greed of Teremon has also in- little plot-wise to move the story as a creased and she is ruthless in her ex- whole along, that doesn’t take anything ploitation of the colony’s new wealth away from its dramatic power. and potential. Alone, except for a particularly peculiar But what of the Master? Enter Mr Ore- Ood, Martine journeys through her own man, another new guise for Jacobi’s mind and memories on either a journey Master. Avuncular, personable, and of self-discovery or a journey of self- extremely helpful, Oreman has been delusion. What Persistence does, and the one helping with the Ood and the very effectively, is emphasise the falli- colonists. Of course, what’s so wonder- bility of the human condition, which, ful is that we all know who Oreman re- knowing that the Master is no doubt ally is. We know that although it seems behind everything taking place on Cal- Teremon is the real villain of the piece, lous, only further stresses what little her brand of evil is nothing compared to stock he places in the suffering of oth- what the Master is capable of, and ers in pursuit of his goals. though he might appear to be doing all he can to keep the sueño out of her The story finishes with Adams’ Sins of grasping hands, he has an ulterior mo- the Father and a powerfully disturbing tive for it that has nothing to do with the wellbeing of the Callous colonists.

There’s such a thrill listening to Jaco- bi’s chuckling, smooth-talking friendly old gent and waiting for the worm to turn. It also helps that we can picture his, let’s face it, cuddly little face and imagine how the colonists would react to it. Delgado was also capable of this open and conversational approach yet somehow his face always seemed to be ‘mwah-ha-ha-ing’ even if was just commenting on the weather.

As the action moves forward, the Mas-

17 showdown between Teremon and the Master, who is about to reveal his true nature to the people of this world. Opening on a brutal but blackly comical torture scene (and one you just can’t This is not a game for the faint of wait to see the tables turn), the chapter heart... or the quick to play. Time of the only continues to crank up the conflict Daleks is a serious gamer's board and despair that the Master leaves in game that takes serious time. Or at his wake as the society of Callous least it does when you have no clue crumbles around everyone. We finally what you are doing, like me. I cannot discover the Master’s purpose for in- tell if this is on purpose or just a bi- volving himself in the affairs of Callous, product of the mechanics necessary to what he has to gain and from whom he have the Doctor go on the proper ad- hopes to gain it – and it is both a pleas- ventures they need to so it will feel like ant and an unpleasant surprise, as you the television show. will find out for yourselves. I got this game almost as soon as it What’s most interesting about The came out. However, it sat on my pop Master of Callous as a whole is how it culture bookshelf in our living room until shows the patience the Master has to this past month. The reason- there are play the long game. The events on the A LOT of rules, pieces and things to mining colony do not occur over a cou- know in order to play. Part dice game, ple of weeks but rather over a number part card game and all sorts of pieces of years. This is proper evil genius at to manage, it's not for the timid. work, cold and considered. I mean: JUST LOOK AT IT! This is a But it is also a great story for what small set up of the game. This is over seems to be the Jacobi Master persona half my dining room table. Once you – a beloved old schoolmaster who also start revealing Time Anomalies, or happens to dissect living people in the have multiple locations open and avail- basement; a man who’d happily share able, and little Daleks (who reduce your a joke with you before stabbing you in available dice count) across the board, the liver with a wry apology. you'll feel as if your table is drowning in pieces. The Master of Callous is a great follow up and ensures my interest in the These all sound like huge complaints. range as it moves forward. It adds to However, once you get into the play, the lore of the War Master and the you see how it all works together. First, Time War, while also managing to feel you go through your hand of "Timey distinct in form and flavour from Vol- Wimey" cards (2 added per turn and no ume 1. more than 4 allowed to stay in your hand by end of turn) and Sonic Screw- And, hoo boy, that theme tune! driver tokens (2 added per turn) to see if you can add Companions, Equipment To listen to the trailer for this product at or other helpful cards. Next, you role a Big Finish, click here Tardis die. It lets you know if you get to pick your location or if the TARDIS To buy from Big Finish, click here picks for you. It's the first clue that the designers are true fans of the show. To buy from Amazon UK, click here Companions are not a guarantee. If

18 you fail the challenge presented to you ien planet (which has two time zones of (matching dice rolls, kind of like past or future) then you have to draw Yahtzee) your temporary companions an alien companion. are discarded. Succeed and you can choose if they become permanent The first time I played this game was TARDIS travelers. There are additional with my very begrudging husband. We rules such as "Linked" companions that made SO many mistakes. We raced help you search for specific people to through the first half of the game not add to your crew. Each companion understanding how it was challenging... helps you add or change dice in your then he lost his first adventure chal- dice pool so that you can hopefully get lenge. When that happens a Dalek the specific matching roles you are shows up on that planet. You also have looking for in order to succeed in the to follow any directions the dilemma adventure mission. provides you for failure. In our case it brought up a Time Anomaly, which Also, the companions that you draw stole all our red dice. It would take us from are dependent on where you are most of the rest of the game to dig our- adventuring. If you are on an Earth lo- selves out of the hole we created. We cation (three time periods found on the also had trouble understanding why main board: past, present and future- you'd never want to just rush through each of which allow you different times the turns... until we realized the Dalek of rewards) then you can draw an Earth ship was about to trigger a second bound companion. If you are on an al- Time Anomaly while we hadn't solved our first. Any thoughts we had of play- ing this game in a competitive fashion flew out of minds and we immediately began working together.

That's the other fun part of this game, you can play it competitively, trying to be the first to reach Gallifrey, or you can play it cooperatively to just outrun the Daleks. You can only lose 7 adven- ture challenges. Once you do the "Time

19 of the Daleks" has arrived and you lose. The other way you can lose is if the Dalek ship arrives at Gallifrey be- fore you. The figures in the game are made of plastic. Sometimes the details can be nice, such as on this Davros figure (he is the final Dalek figure avail- Minor plot spoilers follow… able when you fail an adventure.) As we approach Big Finish’s anniver- Other times the figures feel like the sary year, it’s a pleasure to revisit one mold just gave out, such as on this fig- of their best original characters, Eliza- ure of the first Doctor. The game beth Klein. Introduced all the way comes with the First, Fourth, Eleventh back in Big Finish’s twenty-fifth Doctor and Twelfth Doctors. Expansion packs Who audio, Colditz (2001), Klein has were announced for 2018. I've been stood out. Both for the quality and digging around and haven't found any complexity of the character, and of that are available to be shipped right now. All the gaming websites I've found Tracey Childs’ performance. list them as either "out of stock" or available for "pre-order" with no con- sistent dates on when they would ship, and sometimes with no date. The origi- nal game had delay issues, so I as- sume this is the same problem with the expansion packs.

Each expansion seems to run in the range of $20 and includes the figures, equipment, locations and companions for two Doctors. My goal is to get the Second/Sixth Doctor expansion when it becomes available. Seeing as their two of my favourite classic Doctors I was thrilled when I saw that they would be available in one package together. At this time, I have not seen anything that What is it that makes Klein special? shows the Thirteenth Doctor being Perhaps it’s best to ask Childs. available for this game. “What’s not to love about a megalo- maniacal time-travelling Nazi whose What do you think about this board been turned around for the good? … game? Is it just too much or just right to And she steals things, so she’s not make it feel like a Doctor Who adven- completely good. She still pilfers the ture. Leave your comments so we can odd bit technology here and there. have a discussion, or you can follow And she still hasn’t quite gotten the me on Twitter @DailyDoseofWho. hang of being truly compassionate. I

love her, I love her to bits. She’s just This article was originally posted on dailydoseofdoctorwho.com someone who doesn’t know who she is, which makes her incredibly human Buy ‘Time of the Daleks’ at Amazon UK even when she’s trying to act like a by clicking here robot.”

20 Warlock’s Cross finds Klein in the the stories at second or third hand. 1990s as the world changes around They have put together a semblance of her. UNIT is becoming increasingly the truth, aware of Silurians being bureaucratic and decreasingly capable, sealed in the earth and Martians as fewer of its recruits find themselves fought, but missed the substance. As up to the standards of old. Undeterred Greg tells the Doctor, upon discovering by signs insisting UNIT is top secret, he’s an alien, “I am so, so sorry….for word has begun to slip out. The advo- the human race. For everything we’ve cate group Open Skies protests their done to your people. For UNIT. They actions against aliens. Amid the chaos, put you in a cage….I’ve heard such a plot brews. UNIT’s hospital holds one stories, such terrible stories.” very important prisoner, Daniel Hop- kins, traitor. He’d turned on earth for However, as the Doctor responds. “You the Cybermen’s panacea of indiffer- can’t trust stories. Stories alter with ence. Now partially converted, still every new telling.” And indeed, they playacting at being deadened, he has could not trust their own stories. Greg his purposes. Soon the Doctor, Klein, is not murdered by something evil, UNIT, and the protestors find them- proof that the stars contain horrors. selves drawn into the plans of an an- Greg meets his end at the hands of an cient being, and a tragedy nearly a alien he tried to save, who was not evil, decade old. but only insane. A victim meeting his end at the hands of a victim he tried to To effectively talk about Warlock’s protect. There’s no great evil at the Cross, we’ll need to discuss the two center of Warlock’s Cross’ web, only sides of the story separately. First, the victims of circumstance. This flaw in political thriller portion of the audio, Open Skies’ information is amplified by then, the psychological horror portion. the Doctor. “Human vs alien” is a poor argument, in light of the Doctor’s role, We live in a time of great turmoil and and in light of the invasions rebuffed. upheaval, with protests erupting at all times around us. But not every protest It’s Klein who makes this the clearest, is an informed protest. The higher the when she tells Greg, in anger, “You motive, the more information becomes think you know everything, don’t you, endangered. It’s easy to give into pre- Greg? You hear a few rumours and knit formed narratives, and all the easier them into a secret plot. You have no when public records are incomplete, or idea—no idea at all—what’s out there, there’s a TOP SECRET stamped on what UNIT has been protecting you every relevant document. from since you were in nappies. Colo- nel McKenna is trying to protect you In this audio we are confronted with now. Listen to him. You might actually Open Skies. Their motives are pure. learn something.” They want to end senseless violence against aliens, and open diplomacy Refreshingly, the psychological horror with them, greeting visitors with arms aspect of Warlock’s Cross takes after as open as their skies. They have John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). found the suspicious UNIT-shaped “Refreshingly” because this is, so far as gaps in the official records, and heard I’m aware, the first time anything asso-

21 ciated with the show has taken after cess. He is tempted with visions of sav- that seminal work of horror (with the ing everyone, foregoing the laws of possible exception of “Midnight”(2008)). time to make the best possible uni- Instead, the franchise has shown an verse, but unlike the Tenth Doctor in enduring fascination with—and seem- Waters of Mars (2009), this Doctor had ing desire to top—Ridley Scott’s Alien the strength to resist both his own im- (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens pulses and (making this all the more of (1986). Aliens in particular stirred the a feat) the alien intelligence in his show to action. Dragonfire (1987) in a head. seemingly accidental self-reference, as a xenomorph designer worked on the This is what Warlock’s Cross does dragon. But it has not proven so acci- best. The portion of the audio that dental across stories such as “The takes after The Thing is one of the Grief” (1992), Last Christmas (2014), best, and most engaging, portions of and Twice Upon a Time (2018), among any 2018 Main Range story. others. Ever since The Aztecs, Doctor Who What makes The Thing a unique touch- has operated under one all- stone? While it and Alien/Aliens have a encompassing rule of time: “But you significant focus on isolation, The Thing can't rewrite history! Not one focuses on a blend of self-doubt and line! ...What you are trying to do is ut- team-doubt. You cannot trust yourself. terly impossible. I know, believe me, I You cannot trust your team. But you’re know.” forced to trust yourself. But you’re forced to trust your team. You cannot Red Planets (2018) examined the rami- survive if you don’t trust them, even fications of changing time for what one while, for defense, you’re forced to rely thinks are the best of intentions. It ex- ever more on yourself. If even you posed the cost of violating “not one yourself can still be trusted. line”—genocide on an unimaginable scale, blotting out generations in a Warlock’s Cross capitalizes on the blink. Saving one person, or group, or same physical and mental isolation by civilization from tragedy reduces others drawing from the same well. As the to victims. As the Doctor tells Klein, “I Doctor tells the UNIT team, “We need brought you here—to the past— to focus. Don’t allow our minds to wan- because you remind me….That, when der. Question everything we think we you drop a pebble into the time stream, see or hear or feel. Ask ourselves, in each of the ripples you cause affects a every case, is it real—or only a shad- real life, a real person.” ow? I love this angle for the Doctor’s morali- Through this, Warlock’s Cross forces ty, especially as its being explored in the Doctor to the brink. Under the influ- further depth. ence of an alien intelligence, the Doctor is compelled to go back in time and There is, however, one thing holding nearly interfere. Compelled to drop not Warlock’s Cross back from being out- a pebble into the time stream, but a standing. It is the same flaw that held rock, and destroy the Earth in the pro- Thor: Ragnorok back. It is two excel-

22 lent movies—one a road trip comedy excel at directing. His style brings out across space and the other a heart- the best in his actors, and it’s great to breaking story of the apocalypse. Each see him become one of Big Finish’s side of the movie holds the other back. central directors. Childs fully inhabits The weight of Ragnorok cannot rest the her character, and seems to have characters’, or our, shoulders amid all found new depths in Klein even after the levity. The humor cannot land amid playing her for so long. Genevieve the dour circumstances. Warlock’s Gaunt captures the multiple dimensions Cross’ issue is less extreme, but cut her role demands of her. Given the ex- from the same cloth. cellence of her performance, I found her explanation in the bonus features Half of Warlock’s Cross is about the to be illuminating. “Because it’s just seeming fall of UNIT. A political thriller audio you can completely focus on about institutions falling into decay, well bringing so much to just your voice. -meaning protestors manipulated into Your fear, your excitement, your trepi- following an agenda, and the limits of dation, all these kinds of things they knowledge gleaned from public have to be just in your voice. When sources. The other half is outright hor- you’re working with other people, you ror, a psychological horror film inspired have to give each other so much be- by John Carpenter’s The Thing. The cause you can’t rely on your face or necessities of each strand of the story any of those things or any set.” weaken each other. Leaving the politi- cal thriller for two episodes breaks its flow, and means there’s less room to explore the political ramifications of events.

The psychological horror portion of the audio is interrupted by the late-game return to political thriller, before resum- ing in the final moments. While it is never a miss, and it is certainly never bad, it’s impossible to shake the feeling that there are two solid-gold audios in Richard Gibson gives his character Warlock’s Cross, both weakened into more depth than could reasonably be silver by their proximity. Instead of a expected. I hope to see Blake Harri- stand-alone, I wish Lyons had written son’s Daniel Hopkins return. His perfor- the first two parts of a new Klein trilogy. mances in this trilogy have been en- The political thriller is done well, with gaging. Now that the character has interesting ideas, and the psychological reached his final form as an unwillingly- horror portion of the story is one of the emotional partly-converted traitor to the strongest things present in 2018’s Main Cybermen gives him an excellent foun- Range stories. dation to return as a villain in the future. Warlock’s Cross is a refreshing return Warlock’s Cross’ production meets the to one of Big Finish’s great characters, high standard that the 2018 stories advancing her story and place in the have set. Jamie Anderson continues to world. If you’ve been following Eliza-

23 beth Klein, or the 2018 New UNIT trilo- gy, this is an essential listen. I think the best note to end this review on is the words of Tracey Childs. “Well, there’s a wonderful moment at the end, of course, when he goes, ‘are you think- ing of retiring, Elizabeth?’ and I just For this fan, the process of colourisa- want to go, ‘No, no, no I’m not thinking tion is always a long one that requires of retiring at all. I’m thinking of stealing a lot of dedication to complete Colouri- your TARDIS again and having a whole sation is often a very repetitive task, new spin-off series of my own! Who masking and tracing areas of a moving needs a Doctor?’” image in software such as Adobe After Effects. That is the method I use alt- For a preview of Warlock’s Cross at Big hough some people choose the paint- Finish please click here ing of colour on each individual frame by hand. That was the way I did things back when I first began creating fan- To buy from Big Finish click here colourisations back in late 2012, hav- ing been inspired by similar work on To buy from Amazon UK click here the You Tube ‘BabelColour’ and ‘farfrombeingallover’ channels.

The most recent colourisation video I’ve released is a tribute to The First Doctor, William Hartnell (as I write this on his 110th birthday). This 134 sec- ond video is something I had worked on (along with other projects) through- Vortex Magazine out all of 2017. Because I had edited the tribute together before thinking to colourise it, I hadn’t considered the Vortex is Big Finish’s free-to-download difficulty of working with the particular magazine. clips that I had chosen. Intrinsically, some types of shots are simpler to put To view available titles and to down- colour to than others. My favourite load please click here types of shot to do are static shots, where the camera is locked off and

24 scured by his tie. This causes a little confusion as to exactly where to draw the line between yellow and white. “Is that the playing dice or Dodo’s thumb?”, “Is that Katerina’s hair or her dress?”, “Is that Michael Craze or a milk crate?” are all important questions I must know the answer to in regard to colour.

It is also important to make sure the colours I have chosen for a shot are appropriate for the tone of the story. nothing moves. This means that I can For instance, I chose a pretty groovy take a single frame to Photoshop, col- palette for a shot in the Dalek Time our it by hand, and lay that colour over Machine from The Chase. This is be- the whole shot regardless of how long cause I consider The Chase a pretty it is. groovy story. If I were doing The Da- leks’ Master Plan, it would be different. The more problematic are those that Bringing these scenes to a new life in include a great deal of movement par- colour isn’t quick or easy, but it’s fun if ticularly where the actor moves as well you have the enthusiasm and an eye as the camera. The greater the move- for detail. And since I enjoy doing it, I ment, the greater the difficulty. It mud- plan to continue doing so. A four-man dies the task of keeping track of each project is underway to colourise an en- individual element. When something in tire First Doctor episode (featuring the shot moves it creates motion blur, so dreaded Daleks). At time of writing, we adding colour to it means that the blur- are already at the halfway point to com- riness of the mask needs to be correct- pletion. Looking forward, it is my hope ly adjusted for each frame as appropri- that one day we will all be able to enjoy ate. And considering that 1960s Doctor the entire 60s era in living colour!

You can view some of Kieran’s work at You Tube by clicking here

Who footage doesn’t exist in the best of quality, it can even be tricky just to dif- ferentiate one grainy element from an- You can visit Kieran’s ‘WhoSpheres’ other. For example, William Hartnell’s website here. waistcoat is the same tone as his shirt, the join between which is often ob-

25 really can’t wait to get me hands on these, photo- graph them and get some I’ve known Matt Umney for years, firstly new designs through Doctor Who conventions, then done for as his work became involved with 3D Wendy Pad- animation and model work. A very tal- bury which ented 3D artist who can examine a she will be photograph and work out exactly how it signing later would work as a detailed 3 dimensional in the year at model and with the capability to 3D events. The print and finish the works himself, he remarkable has recently produced this magnificent thing is… physical model for me that I need to when Matt has created the item, in- use for some artwork, in the absence of stead of ‘making do’ I can have it ex- anything really high quality photo mate- actly the angle and lighting to match rial of the Gods of Ragnarok. me artwork - as you can see from a couple of the Colin Baker calendar de- Matt has worked on many projects, signs…the thing is….could you tell including some 3D work for films and what is real and what isn’t…that’s the video games, and had already pro- fun bit. duced a number of recreated 3D virtual models for me to use on the recent Although very busy, Matt is very ap- Colin Baker Sixth Doctor Calendar - the proachable and loves and knows his sort of elements that were either too subject, so anybody wanting something tricky for me to paint (as I would do very specific in this large model scale normally) or have actual photographs can easily drop him a message through of that weren’t BBC material. twitter or instagram… I’m going to keep building up this large-scale classic His models are printed in good solid WHO collection of models…. I think plastic, and this one stands at 21cm what would look great, would be a high and as I think you’ll see from the seated Sutekh..... photographs when I lit it, can be made to look much more dramatic than any- Click here to visit Matt’s etsy shop. thing taken of the actual props, this meant I could get different angles, eye- lines, lighting conditions for the design. Matt has also produced a number of other items that I need for photography, including a lightweight, but completely accurate, full scale Earthshock Cybergun, classic 1960’s Cyber chest units, which include flashing lights and a stunning version of the Kroton. Yes, no longer do they have an old tarpaulin wrapped around them, but they grow from a glowing bed of crystal that would hover and revolve to propel them…

26 seen everything in triplicate. A good friend of mine (who actually bought our tickets to the DWE) messaged me saying that there was someone I had to meet before I left - Jamie Hill. I knew that Jamie played the Foretold in the Doctor Who episode Mummy on the Orient Express, and the Monk in Well, it’s hard to believe it has been Extremis, The Pyramid at the End of over a year since my daughter and I the World and The Lie of the Land. To visited the Doctor Who Experience in my surprise Jamie was also a manag- Cardiff. For those “Who” are una- er at the Experience. When we found ware , it was an interactive exhibition Jamie he was actually giving an inter- showcasing Doctor Who with various view with Christel Dee for the Doctor costumes and props from the show. It Who Fan Show. He was a really cool started with a short film starring Peter guy. He took a couple pictures with Capaldi, recorded for the Experience. me and signed a photo. Later we A guide took you through a 30 minute- stopped and had a snack in The Blue ish adventure following the Doctor’s Box Café’ and saw Christel in the lob- instructions to the Tardis console and by downstairs. We chatted for a cou- other sets including awaking Daleks. ple minutes (just an extremely nice Your goal, obviously, save the planet lady) and we took a couple photos and save the Tardis. Once the day together. was saved, a door opened to the mu- seum and you could roam the cos- This was just an all-around great Ex- tumes, props, etc from just about eve- perience. From the actual Doctor ry Doctor, companion, and villain. Who Experience to the BBC Studios There was also (as always) a gift shop across the street to the sights and (You have a little shop. I love a little everything in Cardiff Bay. I am so glad shop. ) offering a variety of Doctor I was able to spend the time and Who souvenirs you can purchase. share the “experience” with my awe- Since the day my daughter and I at- some daughter Sydnie. Though it’s tended was the last day it was open, been over a year since we’ve been souvenirs were slim pickings. I was there, it still seems like yesterday. I’m able to buy an official companion sure the memories will stay like that guide (programme) and an auto- forever. graphed print of Camille Coduri (aka Jackie Tyler).

There were a multitude of costumed people walking around the inside as well of outside of the Experience, making it even more interactive. It was really cool to see live Cybermen, Whisper Men, and even one of Mrs. Rossiter’s Peg Dolls (And it was actu- ally Nathalie Cuzner in the costume) at the exhibit. Since the last day was sold out, the Experience asked to limit your time within to only 2.5 hours, so my daughter and I made sure we had

27 instructions on how to get a digital copy of the photo for use on social media etc. What it doesn’t tell you, is that it costs £5 for the download, and that it’s only valid for ten days. For me if I were to paying extra for a digital copy of a photo I’ve already just paid for, I’d ex- pect more time than that. This is some- thing I think Showmasters could im- I’ve not been to a Showmasters event prove upon. for a few years now, the last I believe was the final event they held at Earls Anyway back to the event… Court, and when I was there that was packed solid. So I headed to the Olym- Sylvester took a few moments during pia expecting much the same. I was his signing session to say a few words pleasantly surprised to find that whilst for the DWAS social media, and still very busy, it didn’t feel anywhere seemed in good spirit. I gave him one near as cramped as Earls Court had. of the new DWAS logo badges as a prezzie and it was nice to have a quick The event catered to cosplayers with a chat as I’d not seen him myself for a cosplay zone and special cosplay good number of years since he did a guests, who had their own small booths signing at The Who Shop I don’t know to show off their props, weapons and how long ago. more to those who were curious about how to create their own. I know there’s Sadly I didn’t get a chance to chat to often grumblings about how conven- Colin, aside from the photo, although I tions have been ‘taken over’ by cosplay did pass on a DWAS badge to him as these days, but honestly, I don’t see well. the harm in it. People have been cos- tuming since comic cons have been It was great to see William Russell still around, it just has a bigger culture being such a popular guest, just like at these days. Cosplayers add an extra The Capitol last year, his queue for layer of fun and it’s especially charm- both signings and photos was huge! ing when you see little kids getting ex- cited to meet their favourite heroes I’m told that Tom Baker and John dressed as those characters. I spent a Simm were exceptionally busy on the bit of time seeking out those in Doctor Saturday as well (I could only go Sun- Who costumes to grab some photos. day as I inconveniently had my little Alas I’m not the best photographer so sister's wedding on the Saturday) The only a small selection are included with downside with these big guests and this piece them being so much in demand that it’s becoming very hard to actually acquire Anyway, I couldn’t resist getting a pho- an autograph. I suspect the only way to to with the TARDIS of my youth, and get some autographs now is with a Dia- then a couple with my two childhood mond Pass and this will become a reg- Doctors, Colin Baker and Sylvester ular thing at future events. Unfortunate- McCoy. I was given the physical copies ly this does price out a lot of people, of these rather quickly. That’s certainly myself included. I think Showmasters changed, you used to have to wait for need to keep on eye on numbers here hours. Remember that? On the leaflet to avoid events becoming too elitist. I that comes with the photo, there are did try to get a quick chat with the or-

28 ganisers but they were far too busy, which is completely understandable, I’ll certainly try to catch them another time.

This Spring London Comic Con was billed as a taster to the big event in the summer and if what I’ve experience today is anything to go by, those at- tending in the summer are in for a treat.

29 ed when the store opened at 10am, and having previously attended the Target book signings there I knew that being two hours early wouldn’t be enough...

Tom Baker holds a special place in the Still dark, I leave my home in South pantheon of Doctors for many fans, an London just after 5am to make the bus almost mythical creature, so when one and tube journey necessary to get of his few personal appearances every there, bleary eyed through lack of year is announced, for many fans sleep, I was determined not to miss my there is no length they will not go to chance. At 6.20am I turn the corner show their devotion. and Forbidden Planet comes into view. I am fully expecting to see a fedora, On Thursday 24th January 2019 For- scarf wearing horde waiting. bidden Planet in London gave very short notice of his appearance there to I was the only person there. I would be sign his new book ‘Scratchman’. It was that number 1 of a hundred. to take place on the following Saturday morning. OK, I thought no problem. It It was another hour before more bod- is limited to 100 people? Fine, I’ll get ies started to arrive and after the initial there early. You need a wristband. OK, awkward silence the line camaraderie how do I get that? On the Friday. starts to kick in. The anticipation of Right...... meeting one of our idols leads into the trading of old war stories - which con- Scratchman has been a long time ventions we’ve been to, who we’ve coming, nearly forty years. Originally met, the merchandise bought. conceived in the 70s as a big screen outing for the fourth Doctor co-written Eventually the staff arrived to start by Ian Marter and Tom Baker himself their day and we were issued with the story was largely forgotten about numbered tickets to assure our place after failing to get funding. Aside from in the queue – but nobody was going the odd article in various magazines to move! Eventually I obtained that all- over the years, it was nearly lost to the important wristband, number 1, and it ages, until recently. was guaranteed that I was going to meet the great man himself tomorrow. Anyway, back to the signing, and sat I return home happy, keeping my band at my work desk, the decision took all safe in my wallet like Charlie Bucket of 30 seconds, consequences be with his golden ticket. damned. The holiday form for the next day was submitted and (somewhat Saturday arrives and a brand-new day reluctantly) approved. Now all that was brings a fresh challenge; how early is left was to make sure I was one of too early…? Not wanting to repeat my those 100 lucky people first in line. mistake of yesterday I don two pairs of socks so not to lose feeling in my feet The Friday being a working day ruled from the cold. I head out and arrive out a visit for many, but for me this just after 10am at the appointed queu- was no longer an obstacle. Now, tim- ing area at the back of the shop. And ing would be everything. After all, once again, I am the only person where Tom appears a big crowd fol- there. lows. Wristbands were being distribut-

30 Slowly but surely some of the familiar As he passes the book back to me, I faces from yesterday start to appear present him with a bottle of wine by accompanied by new ones, clutching means of a belated birthday present in those all-important bands. Tom Baker a colour scheme that matches the had already been announced to ap- gothic black, red and white of the cov- pear earlier that morning on Graham er. Looking at the two together he Norton’s Radio 2 show so in anticipa- agrees and thanks me before asking if tion of his arrival we huddled around a we should take a photo. A book, auto- phone to listen to another great inter- graph and photo, you don’t need to view littered with stories told in that ask me twice! I dart around the table inimitable style –he could read the and drop to one knee as if to be phone book and it would still be mes- knighted and beam at the camera hap- merising. As Graham thanked Tom, py that I’ve achieved all that I set out to we all knew it would only be a short do 2 days ago followed by expressing matter of time until the moment we had my thanks and saying goodbye as the been waiting for arrived, and it had next person files in behind me. been prepared for.

A little later, ten minutes earlier than expected, the door was opened and the first of us were ushered in. So, I grab my copy of the book and look up to see sat behind a signing table that familiar face I had waited so long to see. Sure there are a few more wrin- kles than the 70’s but there is that beaming smile and same rich, golden voice “Good Morning! “as he offers his hand to shake mine. It is at this mo- ment my mind goes blank, you’d have thought in all that time I would have On the way out I see James Goss and thought of something to say. I hesitate get my copy signed by him too along for a second before the brain finally with the obligatory selfie. Then I am decides to kick in with the realisation recognised by the BBC Book PR as that this is Tom Baker, and silence is ‘the guy who showed up so early’, and not an option. was thanked, but it wasn’t needed. They had me at Tom Baker –no wait is “Good Morning I’ve been waiting a too long, no distance too far. long time to see you and I’ve brought 99 other people with me who all have As testament to how magic he is; I see very good taste in books!”. A second people recording video afterwards passes followed by “I do hope so!” and proudly holding up the Jelly Baby he the booming belly laugh that has en- has offered them as they are instantly deared generations to his tenure of a transported back to that first time they role that we all hold so dear. He reads saw him on screen. my name or rather my nickname by which I’m better known and looks up Everything was relaxed and well or- puzzled. ”Beef?” and I explain the sto- ganised, Tom is at ease and always ry behind it much to his amusement as the consummate professional, none of he signs the title page. I shall not trou- the people attending are rushed ble you with it here though. through as sometimes you can feel at

31 conventions. By 12.30 he has already signed for the initial 100 people allocat- ed, and so for the next twenty minutes some extra wristbands were distributed to a few very, very lucky people in the right place at the right time.

Leaving the store happy with my copy I realise I still have that No1 wristband In 1988 Dee Sadler played the role of which now resides as a memento of a ‘Flowerchild’ in ‘The Greatest Show in Saturday well spent. the Galaxy’ Recently Dee was very gracious to spend some time answer- Until the next time Doctor… ing some questions about her life and of course her time on Doctor Who. ‘Doctor Who - Scratchman’ is available RM: Take us back to 1988, how did you get the part of ‘Flowerchild’? DS: John Nathan-Turner had been watching a sit-com I was in at the time (No Place Like Home) and asked me in for an interview at TV centre. I think I must've read a bit and we mainly chat- ted, he was great fun and I liked him hugely. The director Alan Wareing was there too, but he didn't say much. I think I was offered it the same day.

RM: What is the scariest part of an au- dition? DS: The scariest part of any audition (for me) is the walk to the door. After that, it gets a bit easier.

RM: Was ‘Doctor Who’ amongst the first tv shows you did? DS: The first TV show I did was a chil- dren's TV show called "Wuffer", I think (BBC) it was about a dog, if memory from a number of retailers in a number serves. Doctor Who was my third job of formats including e-book and audio. for them. Some links are below: RM: If I remember correctly, The Great- Amazon UK est Show in the Galaxy was shot in a Waterstones UK car park (or something like that) be- The Who Shop, London cause of an asbestos problem in the studio planned for the shoot. What are your memories of that? DS: My time on Doctor Who was spent on location in the quarry in Weymouth, which really did look like another planet and it was freakishly hot too, for so ear-

32 RM: That’s a fantastic answer! What inspires you? DS: Being by the sea inspires me, whatever the weather. It makes me feel that anything is possible, some- how.

RM: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently? DS: Last week I thought I had thrown my iphone in with the laundry and was crouched by the washing machine ringing my mobile number with the ly on in the year...anyway, I never had landline. I laughed like a drain after- to go into the studio at all, so missed wards. out on all the adventures in the car park and only heard about it a long RM: What’s the most interesting thing time after the event. about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? RM: Who was the naughtiest member DS: I once had to turn down the part of of the cast? a stalker in Brookside, that I really DS: I don't know who the naughtiest wanted to do but couldn't for various member of the cast was as I only knew reasons, and I'm also Viking. I had my them for a few days on location and DNA analysed. we were working really hard and up against it time wise, but John Nathan RM: Why do you think so many aspir- Turner told me the filthiest joke on the ing actors end up giving up on their first day of filming. dream?

RM: We will have to save that for a convention! What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out as an actor? DS: Sleep more, relax more and get out in the fresh air. Oh and never smoke, is what I wish I had known starting out as a young actor. That and don't eat junk food. Self care, really.

RM: So - let’s say you are a new addi- tion to the crayon box. What colour would you be and why? DS: When I was young, I had a paint box with a shade called 'Burnt Sienna' in it. The colour was a sludge brown and I never used it. So I would be a lovely pinky/blue lilac and still be called 'Burnt Sienna' and it would be the most used colour in the paint box.

33 I prefer the theatre. I love the process and the result. It's great fun rehearsing and being part of a company and the energy and connection you get from a live audience is very rewarding.

RM: Have you ever forgotten your lines, or a prop, or choreography dur- ing a performance? DS: I've forgotten props before (once) had to then give an actress totally the DS: Possibly because they realise that wrong object and apologise under my it's a chuffin' daft job for a grown up or breath. they find something that satisfies them more (hopefully). RM: What would you say is your best memory from working on Doctor Who? RM: Do you think you really under- DS: My best memory of working on stood what you were in for when you Doctor Who is kissing Chris Guard decided you wanted to become an over and over again, JNT directed that actor? scene and made us do many takes DS: I think unless you have grown up saying he didn't think it looked real in an acting family or close to one, no, enough. He smirked throughout. John, not at all, you can only guess at what not Chris, that is. you're in store for. RM: You have been on the other side RM: Dee Sadler, Thank you very of the table at an audition (watching, much, you’ve been a great sport. instead of auditioning). What did you learn from that? DS: I have co-produced and cast shows in the past and found it's best to listen to gut instinct, despite the evi- dence in front of you.

RM: Tell me something I don’t know ? DS: I've thought and thought about this one and come up with this (which you may know already) the look and style of Bellboy and Flowerchild were based on Jim Morrison and his girlfriend.

RM: I didn’t know that, haha always learning. What role would you love to play that you haven't yet? DS: There are lots of roles I would love to play, then I remember how old I am. So, the answer is, a stalker...since I had to turn such that part down, once.

RM: Do you prefer acting for film or for the theatre?

34 small orb from her utility belt, “Now how do you work?” The dull metallic orb started to vibrate violently, River strug- gled to retain her grasp around it. “What are you doing?” she said through gritted teeth. A low rumbling sound fill the vault, River looked around but saw only the metal storage boxes, she moved closer to one wall. The stor- “Hello Sweetie. Just borrowing the orb, age boxes started to vibrate as the I'll need it on Parrius Minor. I knew you rumbling sound grew in intensity. She wouldn't mind. River xxx.” quickly backed up to the middle of the vault but the rumbling sound continued The Doctor dropped the box that used to grow making all the boxes vibrate. to house the orb. “River!” he strode to River returned the orb to her utility belt the console, “Knew I wouldn't mind...” and engaged her vortex manipulator he muttered while typing into the TAR- just as the vault exploded. DIS Databank, ““Parrius Minor, where is Parrius Minor anyway? Why do you want to go there?” The Doctor's eyes “Why aren't we landing?” The Doctor widened as he read the screen, he moved to the view screen, adjusted the bounded around the console inputting frequency and watched the screen in co-ordinates, the TARDIS de- horror. What had once been Parrius materialised. Minor was now an asteroid field. “River.” he whispered. “OK...vortex ma- nipulator emergency transport... where Parrius Minor did you go?” he muttered whilst press- River dodged around rocks trying to ing buttons on the console, “How to evade the automated sentries pursuing track you...energy signature! Ah there her. “Come on, how long does it take to you are...what are you doing there?” hack an operating system?” she com- He set co-ordinates. plained at her hand held device. “Finally...input mode...not hostile...” she commanded while scanning herself The Dooley Club 1943, New York with the device, “do not engage.” Tak- Bettina re-arranged her dress carefully ing a deep breath she peered around a ensuring the secret pockets were easily rock at the sentries, when they didn't accessible. She had decided tonight respond she moved out into the open. was her last night at The Dooley Club; “Access data files, security storage.” people were starting to ask difficult she studied the screen as it accessed questions. She took a deep breath and plans of the compound. “There you walked out to the stage area. Bettina are.” River oriented herself with the made an entrance, even before she plans, “It should be right around here...” started to sing, the attention of the au- She glanced around her, looked at the dience was on her. Her gaze swept the screen again and then looked down room as she approached the micro- and stamped a foot on the ground, phone, she had noticed him instantly. It there was a dull metallic thud. “Buried was as though he wanted to be no- treasure.” ticed, and yet no-one seemed to pay A short time later River was standing him any attention. He wore knitwear inside a metal vault lined along all walls with red question marks all over it, with metal storage boxes. She pulled a check trousers, a faun jacket, a cream

35 panama hat with paisley hatband. He “Where did you get this?” he asked sat with his left hand resting on the pil- accusingly holding up a small orb. lar box red question mark shaped han- Bettina patted the secret pocket in dle of an otherwise black umbrella. which she had earlier secreted the orb, When she sang “That Old Black Magic” it was empty. “You picked my pocket, the audience was transfixed as usual that's so rude.” She tried to snatch the except for the one person. The man orb from his hand but he clamped his took out a long, thin, metallic device fingers firmly around it and put his hand and angled it towards her. She could in his pocket. see him muttering to himself whilst studying the device. When he returned The Doctor glanced at his scanner; the his gaze to Bettina she quickly averted readings indicated River was in a room hers. Her gaze swept the room careful- at the end of the corridor. He walked ly avoiding his penetrating eyes. Betti- briskly to the door, dropped the scan- na caught a glimpse of the strange ner into his pocket, adjusted his bow tie man disappearing through the door to and entered. River was standing with the backstage area, she knew he was her back to him, “River.” waiting for her, she needed a plan. Her “River? What river?” she replied without mind worked quickly as she continued moving. singing, what she needed was cover “I just came from Parrius Minor...well while she collected her belongings from what's left of Parrius Minor. You blew it the dressing room. She paid greater up!” the Doctor moved to confront River attention to the audience, mentally but there was someone else in the picking out a few good candidates. room. “Oh. Hello, I'm...Oh. River what are you up to?” River still didn't move. A short time later Bettina made her way “River?” He gently took hold of her arm to her dressing room with a group of and pulled her around until she was large men. When she arrived at the facing him. There was no recognition in door she ushered the men inside. As her face. “River?” he repeated. she was about to enter Bettina heard a “I don't know who this River is but I'm calm, quiet male voice, but she couldn't not her.” she replied. She tried to take hear what he was saying. Before she a step towards the door, but the Doctor could make her way inside the men blocked her path. streamed out. Hesitantly she entered “River, I know you don't remember, but the room; the strange man was stand- you do trust me.” ing in its centre, his eyes boring into The man who had remained silent hers. She looked away. since the Doctor had entered the room “Who are you, what are you doing finally spoke “Who are you two?” He here?” he asked irascibly. asked. “Why are you here?” “This is my dressing room, who are “Scan me.” The Doctor replied holding you?” Bettina replied while casually his arms out to the sides. moving around the room rearranging The man watched the Doctor suspi- items of clothing. ciously whilst reaching into a pocket. The man moved in front of her blocking He then tried another pocket and an- her path, “Who are you?” he repeated other before shifting his gaze to River. in the same tone. The Doctor's gaze also shifted to River. Bettina stepped forward meeting his “About 9 inches long...silver...red bit at gaze, in a flirtatious tone she said the top?” he said. “Whoever you want me to be.” whilst River glared at him defiantly, reached simultaneously adjusting his collar and into her pocket and pulled out the de- picking his pockets. vice which was instantly snatched out

36 of her hand. “So rude!” she said to the believe?” The Doctor pulled a box from man who ignored her and scanned the his pocket, inside was an insert mould- Doctor with the device. He examined ed in the dimensions of the orb. He the readings. held it out to the man, who reluctantly “You shouldn't be here.” he said placed the orb inside. River began “Crossing your own time...” gradually easing away from the men. The Doctor put a finger to his mouth, “What is that device?” the man asked made a shushing sound and said whilst watching the Doctor return the “Spoilers.” The man's intense eyes box to his pocket. “The energy read- fixed on him. “Wibbly wobbly, timey ings...” wimey?” he said hopefully. The man “Even if I could tell you there wouldn't glared at him “I'll explain later...?” the be any point, you won't remember this.” Doctor said hesitantly. The man pon- “You don't know what it is and yet you dered for a moment and then gave a allow this woman loose with it?” slight nod. The Doctor turned his at- “I don't allow...she borrowed it.” tention to River. “What's the last thing “She stole it! Interesting company you you remember?” keep.” “I...” she paused unsure whether to “It’s complicated. That won't work Riv- answer. “I woke up in a storage room.” er.” The man glanced at River who “When?” avoided his gaze. “5 days ago.” “How did you know...?” “Do you remember anything from be- “You were planning to incapacitate him fore...snippets, is there anything that in some way or another. It’s not that seems familiar?” easy to do and we need him con- She thought for a moment, “A fez, I scious.” River looked at the man and keep seeing a red fez.” then at the Doctor. “A fez, a red fez.” He said excitedly, “Why do you need him?” reached into a pocket, pulled out a red “We need him to get your memories fez and placed it on his head. “It’s still back.” in there, the experiences, the adven- “I won't help you.” the man stated. tures, the... We can get it all back but “You said it yourself; she is dangerous, you have to trust me.” She stared at with or without her memories. She has the fez on his head. shaky morals; the only thing that keeps “You expect me to trust you, wearing her in check is her memories of conse- that!” quences.” “OK fine, I'll lose the fez.” he frowned “Have you considered a prison?” the and reluctantly removed the fez and man quipped. The Doctor smiled. returned it to his pocket. “Please return her memories.” “Is this the future, a child, travelling “Why do you need me, you could do it around the universe wearing silly yourself?” the man asked. The Doctor hats?” the man asked. “This woman is looked uncomfortable for a split sec- dangerous, she used an alien device ond, the man noticed. “You can't?” to hypnotise the audience.” “It’s...complicated.” The Doctor smiled. “You're not seeing The man sighed, looked at River and her at her best...what alien device?” nodded. The man pulled the small orb from his “I don't need my memories back, I'm pocket. fine.” she said, making for the door. “That's not alien...well it is alien...that's The Doctor blocked her path. “River, not how she hypnotized the audience. please trust me.” she looked at him. “I She read a book on advanced hypno- know you're scared. I promise you, sis that she found in the library; yours I you'll be fine, you'll be better than fine.”

37 River looked at the man and then back console room, fast asleep. to the Doctor. “Will it hurt?” The Doctor moved close to River. “It shouldn't, if you don't fight it.” the “What are you doing?” she asked. Doctor replied. “Picking your pockets.” the Doctor re- “You aren't filling me with confidence. plied. Why do I trust you?” she asked. “You used to be much better at this.” “Spoilers.” the Doctor replied, smiling River said nodding towards the man “What are spoilers?” she asked slumped in the chair. “Why are you The Doctor smiled again, “Something attempting to pick my pockets?” you've forgotten.” “I... I mean he, carries certain items in River sighed. “What do I have to do?” his pockets.” “You just have to relax... do you want “Such as?” to sit down for this?” River glared. “Or The Doctor looked at the man, “Gold you could stand... standing is fine. It’s a pocket-watch” River reached into her kind of psychic Tetris...do you remem- pocket, rummaged around a little, ber Tetris...?” pulled out a gold pocket-watch and “Can we hurry this up, Duke Ellington placed it on the console. “Swiss army is playing tonight?” the man interjected. knife.” River produced the Swiss army “OK, OK...are you ready, River?” knife. “Abacus, drawstring purse, sling- River nodded. ”Close your eyes.” the shot...” River placed the items on the man said as he placed his fingers at console. “You aren't going to help are her temples, River sighed and closed you?” her eyes. The Doctor watched anxious- “Where's the fun in that?” she replied. ly as the man muttered under his “River.” the Doctor said with a pained breath. After a minute he abruptly expression. River reached into her stopped muttering, at the same River pockets and retrieved a pen with a started smiling. Another minute passed chain attached and some party fa- and the man's hands dropped from vours. “Anything else?” River's temples, he looked around con- “You lost your marbles.” she replied fused, “Where am I?” carefully placing marbles on the con- The Doctor turned to River, “Hello sole. Sweetie.” she said. The Doctor looked at the marbles for “What did you do?” the Doctor asked. a moment, then picked them up and “I wiped his memories of me.” put them in his pocket. “Back to our The Doctor looked at the man and then TARDIS. Come on.” He said walking back at River. “What else did you do?” to the door. “It’s temporary.” she replied. “Our TARDIS, so it’s half mine?” “What's temporary?” the Doctor asked. The Doctor sighed. “Confusion. We had better get him back to his TARDIS before it wears A short time later River and the Doctor off.” were standing at the TARDIS console. “You wiped his memory; I don't remem- “Where are we going?” River asked. ber where his TARDIS is!” “Consequences.” the Doctor replied. “I do. My vortex manipulator was set “Never heard of it.” for the TARDIS...” The TARDIS landed, the Doctor flicked “The storeroom.” the Doctor interrupt- a switch and an image appeared on ed. the view screen. “The storeroom.” River repeated. “It doesn't look like much.” said River watching asteroids colliding. The 7th Doctor's TARDIS. “It used to be Parrius Minor.” replied The man was slumped in a chair in the the Doctor.

38 River was shocked. “Did I do that?” The Doctor took the box containing the orb out of his pocket. “This orb, the en- ergy, it’s complicated.” “You said it was an energy key.” “It is, but it’s a specific key.” PART ONE “To what?” “River.” he said as a warning and then The sparkling water lapped gently over changed his tone. “Why were you on Yasmin’s feet, sending her further and Parrius Minor?” further into her own little world. For “I overheard some people talking about once, she felt as if she had nothing to something buried on Parrius Minor. How could I resist?” worry about. She was sitting beside a “And was there something buried on pool in the middle of a star ship that Parrius Minor?” could take her anywhere. Absolutely “Yes, there was. It’s a shame it blew up anywhere. The Evergreen Fields of before I found out what it was.” Elysia? Done. The Shimmering Cav- “That explosion could have killed you; erns of New Mondas? Got the T-shirt. the energy wave must have been im- Literally. Anywhere and everywhere mense.” was open to endless adventures and, “Is that why I lost my memory?” asked occasionally, heart-pounding chases River. from irritated locals. The Doctor took out his sonic screw- driver and scanned her, “You were This really was a dream come true. lucky, no permanent damage.” He pocketed the sonic, set the co- What could be better? Having a lolly on ordinates and set the ship in motion. a sun-baked beach? A trip to the Baha- “Ready for an adventure? There's a mas? Nice, but no dice. Everything she moon that phases out of existence and knew was so pedestrian compared to back in again in the...” River moved the tranquillity of floating gently across very close to the Doctor, “What are you the stars. She felt light and feathery, doing?” he asked. like she could float away into true bliss “I have a present for you.” she took at any moment. hold of his hand into which she placed two spoons. Even the memory of a childhood friend, now on bad terms, could not shatter the peace. They had always talked about going on their own adventures, just the two of them, exploring every inch of the world before they grew too old. Then they turned into teenagers, real life happened and everything disin- tegrated. Now Yasmin was fulfilling those dreams, but her friend was not by her side. She had new friends now. Perhaps that was why those familiar anxiety butter- flies that so often plagued her were now absent. All of those arguments

39 they used to have didn’t matter any- blue shirt from the floor. Already she more. She hadn’t truly realised it be- could feel the bliss evaporating from fore, but as the sapphire water mas- her mind and a harsher reality setting saged her ankles, she knew that, final- in. It had been nice while it lasted. ly, she had moved on. “Graham O’Brien, if you don’t give me And with that realisation, she pushed that wrench right now, very bad things herself up, took a deep breath, and are going to happen to you!” stretched her body in preparation for a swim. The Doctor held tightly onto the metal- lic panel that was holding back hun- Front crawl to start, she thought. May- dreds of deadly, sparking wires. Anoth- be the breast stroke as a change of er malfunction. Was it her repairs? pace? She supposed it didn’t really That didn’t make any sense! She had matter as long as – made all the calculations and consid- ered every possible outcome. This A pipe on the ceiling burst, bellowing should not have happened. out a torrent of hot steam. Typical. Graham frantically searched high and “Sorry,” said a voice over the intercom. low around the main control console, “Wait, hold on… Graham, where’s that sweat dripping down his neck. wrench? No, the –” “I swear, I put it right here!” It cut off. Yasmin could recognise that voice anywhere. The Doctor had a way The Doctor’s arms faltered, causing of speaking that was hard to forget; it the panel to slip. Her two hearts began was different to anyone else she’d met, to beat faster. filled with both comfort and excitement, and a promise of safety even in the “In a minute, this whole room’s going to direst situations. Most of the time. Sud- catch fire and send us into the nearest denly, the intercom came back online supernova!” with screeching static. A light bulb switched on in Graham’s “Ah, there we are,” said the Doctor, head. sounding very proud of herself. “I gave it to you,” he said, pointing ac- “Attention crew. If you’re feeling woozy, cusingly at the Doctor. “You used it to or having an out-of-body experience, I fix the intercom!” would just like to let you know that we’ve been losing oxygen very, very “Then where is it?” she shouted. slowly for about half an hour now. In fact, we almost died! But no worries, it’s A million possibilities ran through her all fixed now. So, uh… yeah, you might mind, but to no avail. Graham ran over be feeling really weird. That’s normal. and knelt beside her, shoving a hand Should stop in about ten minutes. I into her left coat pocket. He pulled out hope. Doctor out.” the wrench and quickly tightened the panel back into place. Yasmin felt the heat from the steam building up around her. She took a Slowly, the Doctor let go. “Right,” she deep breath and walked towards the said hesitantly. “Good. Well done.” back of the room, picking up her pale

40 Graham leant against the wall and slid of equipment have malfunctioned and down to the floor. our life support nearly failed. Obviously, this is not a coincidence.” “You’re worse than me,” he said. “How old did you say you were?” “So, let’s leave,” Ryan said, yawning. “Just get us out of here.” The Doctor ignored his rude question and flew towards the nearest views- The Doctor pushed the mobile views- creen. Her memory wasn’t fading with creen on the control console around so age. Don’t be silly. She was just pre- everyone could see. It was currently occupied. She tapped her fingers on showing a brown, unremarkable planet the console’s glossy surface and with what looked to be a sandstorm searched for answers, looking at every covering most of the surface. measuring system the TARDIS had available. The Time Lord fixed a fiery gaze on Ryan. “I found that the TARDIS has None of this was her fault. Something been receiving a communication of was playing with her head. For a while some kind from Sirius IV. A sort of puls- now, she’d been seeing snapshots of a ing wave, like a beating heart. Trouble long-lost memory that wouldn’t disap- is, I can’t figure out what it’s saying – pear. Images that made her hearts and Sirius IV has been dead for over ache. She’d kept quiet about it, for the ten thousand years.” She stepped clos- most part, save for some squeamish er to Ryan. dreams. They had guided her here, to this section of space, yet she couldn’t “I don’t know what’s down there, but if figure out why. It was driving her mad. something or someone is calling to us, we cannot ignore it. And that is not up Yasmin entered through the nearby for discussion.” doorway and frowned at Graham. “You alright down there?” Ryan nodded. Graham nodded. “Just about,” he said. “Hold on,” said Yasmin. “What if that “Enjoy your swim?” something has bad intentions and the TARDIS… I don’t know… breaks per- Before Yasmin could respond, the Doc- manently?” tor raised her eyes. “Yaz, get Ryan down here. We need to talk.” Graham crossed his arms. “Yeah, I want to keep all my essentials, thank The Doctor paced back and forth in you.” front of her captive audience. Ryan could hardly keep his eyes open – he A strange rhythmic beeping came from had been in the middle of a power nap. the control console. The Doctor smiled. Yasmin and Graham seemed more “This old girl’s never let me down be- alert, although Graham’s hair was a bit fore!” she said, rubbing her hands to- of a mess after recent events. gether. “If there’s something dangerous down there, we’ll stop it. If it’s friendly, “Something’s been tampering with the we’ll help it. Simple. We’ve done this TARDIS,” said the Doctor, placing one sort of thing before. You know the drill.” hand in her coat pocket. “Ever since we started drifting through this sector, bits

41 No one had anything more to say, so The Doctor made a silly face and stood she took that as unanimous agreement up, rubbing the remaining sand on her and grabbed hold of a large lever. Be- coat. fore she could pull it, however, the TARDIS lurched to the side, almost “Doctor, look.” Yasmin’s voice was unu- throwing everyone to the floor. The sually quiet. The Doctor and Graham Doctor regained her balance and turned around to see her and Ryan looked around, perplexed. “That wasn’t looking out towards the east side of the me, I swear.” TARDIS. Not far off, a magnificent crumbling ruin stood alone amongst the The lights flickered as they all felt a dusty sea, the only visible sign of civili- rumbling vibration, gradually growing sation. more violent. Ryan grabbed hold of Yasmin and Graham by the arms. The “Hey, Doctor,” said Ryan, starting to Doctor knew what was coming next – a shiver. “You figured out why it’s so cold total emergency shutdown. “Hold on yet?” tight,” she said, turning to face her “No, I haven’t,” said the Doctor, step- friends. “I hope you like drop rides.” ping closer. “Give it some time, would Yasmin shook her head. “No, no, no. you?” She noticed the frown on Yas- Don’t do this to –” min’s face. Curious. “What’s on your mind, Yaz?” The TARDIS fell sharply into the planet’s atmosphere and landed with a Yasmin opened her mouth to say loud boom. It toppled slightly, but man- something, but turned away from the aged to stay upright. After a few ruin first. “I don’t know,” she said cau- minutes of haunting silence, the door tiously. “Does anyone else feel like creaked open. The long, grey coat and their chest is tingling?” multi-coloured shirt of the Doctor ap- The Doctor and Ryan looked at each peared; a stark contrast to the deep other with concern. Ryan shrugged. browns around her. “No, can’t say that I do,” said the Doc- She knelt down and scraped up some tor, looking back into Yasmin’s eyes. sand, letting it flow through her fingers. “What kind of tingling are we talking Interesting composition – finer than she about here?” was used to. Ryan emerged from be- hind with a black woollen coat, followed Graham walked towards Ryan and by Yasmin and Graham with yellow and tripped over a particularly large rock, orange raincoats. Graham walked to letting out a frustrated yelp. Yasmin the front and basked in the view; a sighed. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s just bleak, empty horizon of sand and flat nerves. Actually, you know what, forget plains. The Doctor raised her head and about it.” laughed. “Oh, don’t you look dapper!” The Doctor raised her vision to the ruin Graham turned around. “Oi!” he said. in the distance. Time Lord senses were “This is your wardrobe, remember?” far greater than a human’s, but even she couldn’t feel anything unusual from here. But she could see. This ruin had a design she recognised from her trav-

42 els many times before, bringing with it arms out expectantly. When the rough a tide of uncertainty, dread, and most stone fell into her palms, she examined of all excitement. it up and down as carefully as she could, joining the indents and crevices The walls had crumbled so much from together in her mind. What was once centuries of merciless erosion, but it faded started to appear in perfect clari- was easy to tell that they were all slant- ty as all the pieces fell into place. ed towards each other, never quite reaching a central point yet clearly She dropped the rock with a muffled wanting to. It was a design that had thud. There was an eerie moment of been used on so many planets over silence. the course of history, one that could Ryan stood by her side and waved a withstand earthquakes and inspire hand in front of her face. “Hello? You people for generations. A beacon of alright there, Doc? What’s going on?” boundless potential and progress. The Doctor snapped her head towards A pyramid. him like a possessed doll, making him The Doctor felt a tingling sensation of jump. “Everything’s fine,” she said qui- her own. She rubbed her hands togeth- etly. “Let’s move”. er. “Right, team,” she said, stepping The trip across the desert was mostly past Yasmin. “We can’t stand here all uneventful, taking about ten minutes to day. There’s a sandstorm covering get to the ruin’s entrance. Ryan should most of the planet and I don’t want to have been used to the alien atmos- be here when it gets back. Let’s get to phere of a distant world by now, but he that ruin, find out what sent the signal still found himself buckling under the and rush back to the TARDIS. Hopeful- reality of it all every now and then. ly she’ll be in working order by then.” Here, standing by an ancient doorway She turned around and pointed at the that seemed ten times bigger up close, blue box. “You hear me? You’re our that feeling was worse than ever. one lifeline! Don’t let me down!” The Doctor hadn’t made things any “It’s a machine,” said Graham. “You’re easier. She was unusually silent; more talking to a machine.” than he ever thought possible. Some- The Doctor glared at him and began thing about that rock had set her on trudging across the sandy sea. Then edge. He didn’t know why she wouldn’t she stopped. An uneasy feeling began come clean – what was the point of to take over. “Graham,” she said, eyes keeping up a false pretence if no one fixed on the ruin. “Bring me that rock.” believed it? Then again, stubbornness was part of her charm. He looked at the one he’d tripped over a minute ago. “Why?” Ryan tried to button up his coat further than it would actually go. “Doctor,” he “Just do it,” she said. “Come on! Hurry said, muscles twitching. “The cold’s up!” getting to me now. You figured out an answer yet?” Graham sighed and picked up the heavy object with both hands, groaning The Doctor walked up a short staircase under its weight. The Doctor laid her and stood before a massive square

43 archway, decorated with what Ryan Ryan did as she said. He knew better thought were old Egyptian drawings. than to question her judgment. The Hieroglyphs, if he remembered correct- Doctor turned back to the surface of the ly. But they couldn’t be – this was Sirius archway and ran her fingers along the IV. left side, for a purpose only she under- stood. After a minute, she stopped ab- “We can always huddle for warmth,” ruptly, put her hands in her pockets said a smiling Yasmin, standing by his and turned towards him. side. “Alright, come on up. I think it’s fine.” He looked at her and smiled back. Sometimes it was her presence over Ryan made sure the other two were anyone else that put him at ease. Why following, then jogged to the Doctor’s was that? Did she remind him of home, side. “Hey, what are we actually deal- back when home was worthwhile? Or ing with here?” he asked, keeping a perhaps there was something else bub- low voice. bling under the surface. Yasmin put an arm around his waist, no doubt sensing The Doctor stared blankly. “I don’t his anxiety. For a few brief moments, know,” she said. “We’ll probably find he felt his worries drift away. And then out once we’re inside.” Graham appeared, throwing his arms Ryan laughed. “Oh, come on,” he said. around them both. “I’m not a moron. I know that my brain’s “Great idea, Yaz,” he said. “I love a like a peanut compared to yours, but I group hug.” think I deserve a bit more respect. And so do they.” Yasmin threw his arm off. The Doctor’s expression faltered slight- “On second thought, maybe not.” ly. “I told you, we’ll find the answers inside.” Ryan did the same and gave Graham a playful punch. He looked towards Yas- Right on cue, Graham and Yasmin min, but she had already positioned reached their position. The Doctor herself in front of a stone pillar, closely turned her back and gestured for every- examining the markings. Ryan sighed one to follow. For a brief second, Ryan and walked up the cracked, dusty thought he had seen a spark of terror in stairs, hoping to reach the Doctor be- her eyes. Graham caught his attention fore she did something rash and unpre- and pointed towards the Time Lord with dictable. a frown. Ryan just shrugged. A sandy breeze whistled through lean- Through the massive, stone archway ing columns and half-broken stone was a short corridor about the same blocks, sending a shiver up his neck. size, filled with more faded hieroglyphs Something about this place felt wrong, and torches that were somehow still lit. even by alien standards. Of all the things he’d seen so far, that was the most unnerving. At the end of The Doctor turned around and held out the corridor was another archway, simi- her palm. “Not yet, Ryan,” she said. “I lar to the first, and through it, a glimpse don’t know if it’s safe. Just stay there of a larger chamber. for a bit, okay?”

44 The Doctor kept walking, never looking Yasmin slid her fingers between his. back, clearly determined to find what- “Ryan, there have been so many times ever had brought them here. But Ryan in the past I thought we were going to couldn’t shake the image of fear in her die. So, so many. But she always came eyes. He hadn’t imagined it. The Doctor through. Always. I don’t know how, but was afraid of something, and if even even when it seemed pretty certain we she was scared, they were in for a were done for, she found a way to get bumpy ride. She usually had more con- us out alive. She’s like a magician. fidence in herself, powering through Trust me, this time will be no different.” any situation without buckling under pressure. Ryan looked deep into her eyes. “Do you really believe that?” The four adventurers walked through the second archway into a much bigger Yasmin smiled gently. “Yes. And so room, circular in shape. As Ryan should you.” looked up, he saw the four sides of the Graham reached the Doctor, holding ruined building converging towards the tight onto his new discovery; a single sky, reminding him of the pyramids in flower, reddish purple in colour, reflect- Egypt. Interesting. There was a sense ing the light coming down from the sky. of uncanny familiarity here, coupled “Doctor, look at this!” he said, louder with the surreal. Maybe aliens did build than he expected. “An actual, living the pyramids on Earth. Maybe those flower!” crazy-haired people on TV were right. The Doctor stared curiously at it, and Yasmin poked his shoulder. “Hey, then at him. “You mean, it was living,” Ryan. You’re looking a bit out of it right she said. “It’s dead now, isn’t it? Where now.” did you find it?” He rubbed his eyes and yawned. He’d “It was just growing out of one of the actually forgotten how tired he was. cracks in the floor, all by itself.” “Yeah,” he said. “There’s something about this place that’s blowing my The Doctor carefully plucked it from his mind. Hard to comprehend, you know?” hand and sniffed. “Well, it’s not poison- ous, so that’s good.” Yasmin smiled, watching Graham run over to the Doctor. The Time Lord was Graham rubbed his hands on his coat. currently examining everything with her “Yeah,” he said. “I probably should hawkish eyesight. have thought about that.” “I know how you feel,” said Yasmin. The Doctor nodded. “I agree. Show me “Seems a bit too close to home.” exactly where you found it.” “It’s not just that,” said Ryan. “It’s her.” Graham led her over to a part of the ground that was more cracked than “What do you mean?” others. He wasn’t a professional gar- “Haven’t you noticed? She’s scared. dener by any stretch, but simple rea- Nothing scares the Doctor. So, what soning led him to believe that there does that mean for us?” was soil underneath. But soil and sun- light were only two ingredients for a

45 flower to grow, and water was nowhere “Go on,” said Yasmin, forcing a smile. to be seen. “We can handle it.” The Doctor bent down and examined The Doctor gave a gentle smile of her the cracks up close. She rubbed her own. “I love your optimism, Yaz; I al- index finger on one of them and licked ways have. But I’m not sure that’s go- the residue. “Yep,” she said, spitting it ing to be enough this time.” out. “There’s definitely soil under there. Interesting.” Yasmin’s smile disintegrated. “Why?” Graham noticed that Yasmin and Ryan “This is the tomb of an Osiran,” said the had wandered off nearby. He gestured Doctor, fidgeting with her hands. “A for them to come over, like he would highly advanced, extremely powerful have done to a couple of toddlers. species, now extinct, that influenced Those two had become so close re- countless civilisations across the uni- cently, and so very much alike, that verse. Including yours.” they always seemed to drift into their “The crazy-haired people were right,” own universe. It was nice to see, but it said Ryan, dumbfounded. also made him feel a bit out of place – did Ryan really need his granddad “Oh my god,” said Graham, remember- treading on his toes? ing those baffling TV shows. “It was all true!” The Doctor ran her fingers through her blonde hair and stood up, looking as if The Doctor moved closer to them with her mind was working out a thousand a scowl. “You think this is funny?” she sums at once. In fact, it probably was. shouted. “This is serious! We’re in a Suddenly, her eyes widened. “We need situation more volatile than anything to get down there,” she said quietly. you’ve ever experienced! If we don’t “Graham, help me examine the centre tread carefully, not only will we be va- of the room.” porised, but possibly the entire solar system! Maybe even the galaxy! How Mysterious as always. They walked to many people will die? How many lives a large, circular tile on the floor, per- will go unlived?” fectly situated in the middle of the chamber, and the Doctor bent down “So, let’s leave!” said Yasmin, the ten- once again. Yasmin and Ryan joined sion in her voice increasing. “We can them. wait by the TARDIS until it repairs itself and go somewhere else! Let this place “Have you found something?” asked go untouched!” Ryan. “It’s too late for that!” said the Doctor, “Yes,” said the Doctor, dusting away as rubbing her face. “The signal we re- much sand as she could from the tile’s ceived on the TARDIS wasn’t a signal surface. “And I think it’s time I told you at all; it was an extension of the Osi- what we’re really dealing with here.” ran’s being; reaching out from its rest- She stood up and sighed. Graham ing place. I should have realised earli- crossed his arms – he didn’t like where er. That’s why it was damaging the this was going. TARDIS. Osirans are creatures of im- mense psychic power, and if left un-

46 checked, they can cause disasters be- yond your imagination. I can’t let that happen.” Graham tried to understand what he was hearing, but only one thing stood out. “Does that mean it’s still alive?” As soon as he asked, he knew he would Anxiously Smith inserted his key into regret hearing the answer. the lock of the small flat he rented, eyes darting left and right to see if he “In a way, yes,” said the Doctor. “I don’t was being watched. He rarely was but know how, I don’t know why, but the old habits die hard and Smith knew Osiran in this tomb is still functioning.” better than most how complacency can get you killed. Graham felt a primal fear surge into his The flat was unremarkable, some bland veins. Memories of old horror films photos although none of him, small started flooding into his mind. If there pieces of memorabilia, tatty chairs and was one thing he never wanted to see, a very small television. The only thing it was a mummy. And especially not a that stood out was the dusty sphere on psychic mummy that could vaporise top of the TV, that glowed a soft sky him within seconds. blue. Drawn to this Smith frowned, his early warning system was telling him Yasmin took a deep breath and that a particular type of time craft had stepped forward. “What do we do, arrived flown by a specific occupant. then?” Hurrying over with a frown he rested a The Doctor took her hand and grabbed palm on the sphere and the spectrum hold of Graham’s, then gestured for became brighter, a mix of purple shot them both to hold Ryan’s. The Time through with red, as he connected to Lord made sure they all had her atten- the homing device he'd secreted some tion. “Simple. On my mark, we jump. time ago. Once he knew how long the ship had been in the Meta Zone he re- Understand?” alised he had to act immediately. They all nodded. Graham took a deep “I need to see you right away,” Smith breath. spoke hurriedly into the ring on his right index finger. “No it can’t wait, a time “Good. Ready… and… jump!” craft has entered the Zone. Yes of course I’m sure. Do you imagine I of all To be continued... people wouldn’t be aware of such an incursion? I need a time and a location” Smith waited, then a soft thank you escaped his lungs. Tanith didn’t look up as he approached her desk in the library, he knew the rules. If she had history books strewn around her he was to keep away, but if she was reading a newspaper it was fine to approach.

47 Sitting down facing the blue skinned, “I’m sure you can guess,” he threw corn haired girl he rested his elbows on back hating these games she played. the fake wood of the desk, they seemed to be alone in the vast library “Ah yes you need my help to provide a but of course they weren’t. Tanith acti- distraction, something spectacular and vated a sound barrier just to be on the violent; all right Mr Independent I can safe side. do that – for a price.” “My scanner has been active for two Yes he'd expected no less. Tanith, like hours,” Smith tried to keep the agitation most here, was a mercenary amongst out of his voice; he didn't do panic but other things. there was no hiding the fact that he Contriving to look humble he sat back, was rattled, “...which means the time “I don’t have any money.” ship has been here at least that long.” The high cheekbones rose higher in a Still not looking up the raven haired smile, “Oh come off it Smithy I wasn’t woman blinked her hazel eyes, “What born yesteryear, you own a TARDIS, it makes you think the hunter is after you, must be crammed full of valuable stuff I mean you aren’t the only fugitive – antiques, rare books, jewels even here?” gold.” Tanith emphasized this last “My scanner can only pick up one par- word. ticular type of time ship, a TARDIS.” “Maybe,” he hedged knowing he had Tanith would know what a TARDIS little choice here but to barter for his was, she knew most types of time ship freedom. and her gaze was questioning. “Don’t be coy with me it doesn’t suit “Then you need to move on don’t you, you,” The woman hissed, “I want a bil- where is your own craft parked?” lion in gold – dust, coins or bullion I don’t much care but that’s the price and Smith was too shrewd to tell her that, it’s payable immediately.” “Close by,” his voice was ironic and guarded; this was one secret he would A small flat white pad, no bigger than a never reveal. saucer was pushed towards him with a hand-shaped screen on the top. With a “What’s wrong Smithy, don’t you trust sigh Smith turned his right hand over me?” and touched the pad with his ring; at once both ring and pad glowed cherry His smile told her that he wasn't a fool red and crackled. Tanith eyed her wrist and not to treat him like one while his watch and nodded, voice softly purred, "of course I do," without any sincerity. “Transmat completed. Very good,” she purred sitting back with a contented "So go, I won't try to stop you." smile. “The instant I take off I’ll create a tem- “Well?” Smith didn’t try to hide his im- poral trace that the hunter will be able patience; he couldn’t hang around here to follow,” he said, “I’ll be no better off for much longer. in the long term.” “Well, what?” Tanith threw back at him? A shrewd operator who knew every- thing about the zone, Tanith speared “Aren’t you going to do something, him with a probing glance, “So what do make a call, organise an explosion; do you need me for?” a time-jack?”

48 The laugh was rich and mocking, “Stop had an inbuilt sensor calibrated to under-estimating me Smithy I know Smith. Good grief, couldn’t he think of what I'm doing, do you imagine I have- something more original than that? n't got something already in place? Now trot along to your ship and await "Let the games begin," she sighed my signal.” stepping over the threshold of her craft. The attack seemed to come from eve- In considerable pain the Rani knew the rywhere. The air around her boiled and amputation of her arm hadn’t worked, seethed with colour and sound, a fierce the arm had regrown almost immedi- radiation of reds, blues and greens out ately and appeared normal but the of which shapes emerged big and hos- DNA destroying virus was still in her tile. Some were like huge silver spiders; system she hadn’t removed it; merely others were just flashing zigzags of its point of entry. She still required a angry burning light. new infusion of genes from one of two Time Lords, all she’d done was buy She didn't open fire on them - why herself some time; it was time she waste ammunition! She squeezed the would put to good use. ring on her right index finger as they lunged at her. Their metal and plastic Her ship had penetrated a rift in time, claws and teeth told her they were one that led to a pocket dimension cyberforms, artificially transmuted kill- known as a Meta Zone. There were ing machines vicious and deadly but many of these and the only way to ultimately crude and in this case inef- reach them was via a time craft of ad- fectual. vanced design. Each zone was cus- Their bites and slashes hit only thin air, tomized – some were ecclesiastical in their target having vanished without nature, others were scholarly or sport- trace, melting away like a witch of leg- ing, a few were gambling dens, but all end. attracted outcasts and renegades on the run from someone or something. Smith hadn’t reached his TARDIS. He Typical thought The Rani that ‘he’ didn’t trust Tanith and thought she would be in a place like this. Her sen- might be following him or at least scan- sors had already scanned the residen- ning him so he'd taken a circuitous cy permit database of the zone and route doubling back on himself a few come up with the name Smith. The de- times and keeping a lookout for a tail. licious irony didn't fail to put a smile on The gold he’d given her could be easily her pale features, what a creature of retrieved, that didn’t concern Smith; habit he was; how predictable. what did was that Tanith's distraction The Rani rose from her sofa and went might fail; his hunter was no fool she over to the external viewer. She could was almost as cunning and resourceful see that she had materialised inside as he was much as it pained him to some large building that might be a admit it. church with its pillars, colourful win- dows and shrine-like centre. She Tanith was clever and ruthless but she scanned for weapons – none, force was also crude and obvious; she fields – none, guards – none. But there lacked the sophisticated subtlety of a was a red flag on her system, oh good Gallifreyan. a trap she liked traps especially those Smith's TARDIS was on the far side of she set herself. a quad bordered by trees and statues Grabbing a weapon of her own she of heroes. Standing by one of the latter headed for her ship’s door, the weapon he surveyed the terrain with a small

49 device in his left hand – it was throb- "You're dying," Smith said softly and bing softly, another source of agitation. not unkindly like it saddened him. He thumbed on the device’s weapon- software, this might be a trap and he "Not now I have you." Righting herself didn’t plan to get caught now. with an effort she kept her blaster fixed on him, "Your blood contains the cure I Moving out into view with short, hurried need." steps he made his way towards the third tree on the left, his ship was be- How much would she take – some of it, hind it and not visible even from the half of it; surely not all of it? balconies which overlooked the quad. "I could help you," he offered, "We The air ahead seethed and twisted, could work on this together." warping out of shape to disgorge a fe- The look scoured him with its contempt. male figure. Not Tanith, oh no this ap- "All the preliminary research has been parition was far worse. The tall raven done, all I require now is...." haired beauty, majestic in her arro- gance had eyes that flashed with an He finished for her, "A test subject," the inner fire. words were thick with disapproval." Smith raised his weapon in warning "Yes one willing to make a sacrifice in only to have it kicked from his hand. the name of science." Gripped by the throat he was slammed Smith recalled this woman at the acad- back against a statue and pinned there emy how reckless and arrogant she'd with incredible strength. been then, disdainful of safety proto- The Rani’s features twisted into a cruel cols and the sanctity of life; results rictus of triumph, “Got you,” she cried. were all she cared about no matter who got hurt. “Why don't you just leave me alone,” he choked? "Tutor Vardek always said you were callous." "Sorry I can't do that." She hiked up a sleeve to reveal a tracery of scar-like "That fool, he was a snivelling coward tissue worming under her flesh; genetic like all of them back then but I'm not decay and pretty advanced too. In her here to go over the past; well not that free hand was a small grey cube, "Oh I part of it." found your homing beacon in my TAR- A voice cut into the cruel diatribe and DIS and just the sort of crass stupidity emerging from behind one of the taller I've come to expect." statues with a raised blaster of her “Oh very clever,” he spat. own, Tanith gave a triumphant smile. “More than I can say for you,” she “I don't think so,” she said. “The recep- snarled, ”Thanks for the reception com- tion was designed to bring you here mittee by the way, pity you didn’t do where we could deal with you more your homework.” discreetly. I take it you know this wom- an Smithy?” "I thought you'd be too smart for that, but I assumed I would have more wrig- “Oh yes,” said the little man, “I know gle room." her all right she’s called the Rani and she comes from my home planet.” The Rani's laugh was sharp and mock- ing but soon broke up into a hacking “Smithy is that what you’re calling your- cough, "Damn this disease," she self?” She turned to Tanith, “Butu has clutched at her own chest. he told you his real name? I suspect

50 not, so let me introduce him,” she took point blank range in the stomach. The a step back, “he used to be known as pain was intense, searing, he felt as the Doctor.” though his insides were being cooked in their own juices and with a piercing Smith saw the change come over Tan- scream he fell clutching himself legs ith. So, she knew the name. It meant twitching. something to her. Had their paths crossed in the past? "Impressive," voice dripping with pleas- ure the Rani stood over him, "But I Her face twisting with disgust the girl need him alive so don't do that again." reared back. "Is this true," the voice The brilliant but cold eyes regarded was brittle. "You're the Doctor?" Smith, entirely devoid of sympathy. He He managed to appear almost contrite. could see that to her he was just a re- "What if I am?" source a means to an end. "The terrorist; the man who incites re- “I don’t intend to kill him so quickly,” bellion and insurrection; who causes Tanith responded, “He hasn’t suffered utter chaos?" enough yet, and believe me he’s going to. I’m going to inflict on him all the "That's a rather negative spin on things; pain, misery and indignity that I can I prefer to think of myself as someone think of.” who facilitates positive change." Even the Rani seemed impressed and "My world ended up in flames because few cruelties eclipsed her own, she was of the Doctor. He came to Jodra out of without doubt utterly atavistic and nowhere and sided with the minor gold amoral. resistance movement, helping them to undermine and overthrow the silver “Later perhaps,” she said, “I need to hegemony." take him to my ship.” Smith recalled Jodra, a world torn by “Then I’m coming with you,” Tanith in- ethnic cleansing - silver on gold, tor- sisted, grinding her high heel into ture, imprisonment and massacres. Smith’s wound. Giving a high-pitched, drawn out scream Smith almost fainted, "I ended 500 years of oppression," he squirming uselessly. said flatly. Pushing the other woman aside the "You condemned my world to perpetual Rani placed a small adhesive pack on civil war. Order collapsed, the economy Smith’s chest. At once he felt gravity was destroyed and my family lost eve- lost all control over him and he levitated rything we ended up on the streets into the air, to a height of about six feet. scrambling to survive. In the end I had to flee the gold death squads and come Satisfied she turned and marched in here." the direction of her TARDIS. As Smith floated behind her he felt his gunshot The Rani looked triumphant enjoying wound begin to heal. Non-fatal wounds this little falling out amongst friends. always regenerated quickly - it was a "I'm sorry," said Smith. "I had no idea, I Time Lord gift. Tanith followed, her gun acted with the best intentions; I always holstered, her features losing much of try to improve things." their malicious heat. "Improve things," Tanith exploded, "I Disguised as a coniferous tree the lost everyone I loved, everybody I Rani’s ship enveloped Smith turning cared about," and then she shot him, at from leaf and bark to a darkly tinted but

51 smoothly contoured room over 60 feet "Why me and not the Master? Surely square with a humming central column he's a perfect genotype too. Couldn't made up of softly rotating horizontal you find him? Has he eluded you?" rings. Features tight with fury the tall woman Coming to rest on a flat grey couch gave a shuddering sigh, "You were Smith felt himself gripped tightly as the easier to find, Smith. Indeed, you anti-grav pack was removed, he could- couldn’t have been more obvious. But n’t move a muscle below his neck. I'll catch up with your nemesis in due Deftly his ring was removed and placed course. His death is also long over- on the console, and then his wound due." was inspected. “You’re in the grip of a regeneration “Good,” The Rani drawled, “Instant tis- crisis, aren’t you?” The words held sue regeneration,” she showed no fur- mockery, “After all you are getting on a ther interest in his healing abilities. In- bit?” stead plunging a needle painfully into his throat just barely missing his wind- The Rani’s features blanched but she pipe, several c.c.'s of pink cloudy fluid didn’t rise to the bait; she clearly had were removed and studied. more pressing business. She looked pale to Smith, tired and run down with a "This should be enough," she mused, hint of dark under both eyes. "If it isn't I can always take more." Speeding away she didn’t even offer a All he could do was croak in response, parting shot, it was most unlike her to his throat on fire. let anyone get the last word in. "Extract all you want," Tanith didn't He blinked up at Tanith, “I can’t move,” sound all that concerned, "then he's he said. mine." “I know.” The cool eyes betrayed no Eyebrows arched and mouth curled emotion. She picked up his ring from into a lopsided grin the Time Lady the console, studied it for any financial shook her head, “I’m taking this to my value, then clearly having decided it lab to be processed. You stay here and didn’t have any, she put it back on his try not to kill him just yet, I won’t be too finger. The ring glowed softly giving off long. If you get bored feel free to begin a barely perceptible sigh. torturing him but don’t kill him without me being present. I've been looking He felt the magna-couch lose power forward to that for a long time.” and sat up, feeling a twinge from his wound as he did, but it was nothing Smith frowned his voice a little strong- serious. er, “Why have you extracted fluid from my thyroid gland?” he asked. “Thanks for shooting me.” His tone was dry. “It will help shore up my own genetic resources and cleanse me of this ac- “I had to make it look convincing.” cursed virus." “Oh you did. For a moment I thought "A virus of your own creation - no doubt you were really going to torture me.” also inflicted on countless other unwill- “It did cross my mind,” Tanith did not ing victims." seem to be joking. “How do you want to "That Doctor, is none of your concern," play this?” she threw back.

52 Smith had gone over the options, but "Convenient fictions that I made up for only one made any sense. you; convincing at first glance but ulti- mately bogus. You are not what you “We need to take control of this ship. think, Tanith. Would you like me to You go to terminal five and initiate the prove it, for there to be honesty be- synchronic relay matrix.” tween us at last?" He walked over to He was impressed when she didn’t ask the console and made to operate the him what this was. Finding the terminal controls. He could see the rage in her with ease she pressed all the right but- shocked expression. He could tell she tons. felt betrayed and used - and with good reason. “Are you really him; the Doctor I mean?” "Tell me what's going on Doctor, or I'll shoot you again - this time fatally." “Does it matter?” Smith didn’t stand up. He knew he needed to gather his "Oh, I'm not the Doctor," he grinned strength. twisting a black dial. “Yes, as a matter of fact it does. I was- At once the whole console erupted into n't lying about all the bad stuff he did.” violent movement, seeming to come alive like some monstrous creature "Actually you were." roused from a deep sleep. Pincers Head jerking up she frowned, "What do burst from its surface on long concerti- you mean?" na-like arms, vicious sharp edged met- al talons that grabbed Tanith by the "All that stuff about Jodra, all very emo- arms and torso. tionally gut wrenching and full of pa- thos." One of her arms was severed at the shoulder, cut clean through but there "It happens to be true," she snarled. was no scream, no blood. The arm was "It happens to be a programme which I electronic a prosthesis, the exposed fed into you, soon after I arrived here - shoulder was also full of circuitry. one of several ideas I implanted." "What the hell," she cried, "My arm is Hands falling away from the console robotic." she straightened, looking at him in con- "Your entire body is, I'm afraid. You see fusion and resentment, "Implanted?" Tanith, you're a security drone. You "Oh yes, dear Tanith. It was essential were the guard who escorted me into that you saw yourself as a renegade the Zone, my first watcher - and a diffi- like me, a terrorist hiding out in the cult conversion. It took a lot of tinkering Zone." to re-programme you, to convince you that you were another renegade; a bio- "I am in hiding. You know that," she logical entity; a real woman. cried, thinking about shooting him again, he could tell. "No," the shriek was heartfelt almost human. "That’s not true." "Alas, I'm afraid not," he chuckled re- membering how useful she'd been to "I'm afraid it is," Smith was grinning him, how she'd kept the drones and now, enjoying himself. "You've been gangsters off his back. most helpful to me Tanith a real asset." "I don't understand what you're saying; “Help me damn you!” I have vivid memories of my life and “Throw me your weapon.” history."

53 “I can’t, it’s got my arms.” well as…” he paused and frowned, “I didn’t expect this. It complicates mat- Smith made no move to approach Tan- ters. The Rani has prisoners aboard ith. He went to one of the roundels on her TARDIS – her test subjects.” the wall, prized it open and fumbled inside. Tanith didn’t seem surprised or inter- ested, “She rules a planet of primitive “Smith,” Tanith cried, as a talon closed humanoids, whom she uses in her ex- around her neck. periments.” “I’m going as fast as I can.” Smith took a step back to rub his chin “Unlike you I can’t regenerate,” Tanith thoughtfully, he had intended to trap cried with most un-machine-like hyste- the Rani in the Vortex for a century or ria. two. She wouldn’t age or die but her prisoners would; assuming that she No answer was forthcoming, then the didn’t kill them by some other means. murderous pincers fell slack, releasing Tanith and began to recede back into “What’s wrong Smith? You’re surely not the console. She grabbed her amputat- intending to free these creatures?” ed limb and held onto it tightly. “They might be useful to me, I may just “Thank you.” pay a visit to this planet of hers to see what I can learn."” Smith smiled back, she was welcome. He pointed at a screen, the test sub- “I didn’t expect her to have upgraded jects would be in the medical bay with the console so extensively,” he said. “It the Rani. If he freed them he’d be free- should be safe now. I’ve also locked ing her; it was a dilemma. her in her own medical bay for the time being.” “Step back,” Tanith barked, “Or I’ll shoot you again.” Making his way gingerly over to the console he reached out slowly and ca- Smith paused, regarding her calmly. ressed it. When he spoke, it was barely above a whisper. “I saved your life Tanith.” “Help me reattach my arm,” Tanith was struggling. “You stole my life; tricked me; altered my sense of self – step away from “Later, first I need to ensure that the those controls.” Rani never returns to this zone or tracks me down so easily again. I’ve Complying, Smith folded his arms. “The been wondering how she found me in Rani could be held prisoner here in this the first place and….ah here it is,” zone, there are containment pockets, Smith felt indignant, “She’s got my Data fissures of nul-time,” he explained. Extract from Gallifrey, DEs are sup- “I don’t want her living here, even in posed to be sacrosanct.” stasis. She’s a bigger menace than you If Tanith was interested in this it didn’t are.” show on her face, “And the stuff she "I could take you with me. There's no took from you?” reason why you should remain in the “Thyroxin, an essential part of our re- Zone - not now," he purred, thinking generative and recuperative powers; how useful she could be to him; how there must be something wrong with deadly she was with a blaster. He had her at the DNA level - some form of never travelled with a companion, it decay. Time Lords can degenerate as might be fun.

54 Smith chuckled, removing his hands gramme for a personality. Really Tan- from the telepathic circuits, "There, it’s ith, you disappoint me” done,” he sighed. So that was all he thought about her, “What is?” Tanith barked, “What have she was a tool; a robot; not a real per- you done?” son. “What I had to.” His tone carried a hint “The Rani is a danger to us all surely of menace. “What was necessary – you can see that.” He could hear her under the circumstances?” efforts to sound reasonable. “She would try to take over the zone, either that or destroy it; she’s a monster.” The Rani couldn’t believe her eyes, “There are all kinds of monsters," he what she was seeing didn’t make any responded, "some more pernicious sense. than others. If you only knew the things TISSUE REJECTION DNA INFUSION I've done.” UNSUITABLE "Perhaps you should tell me." A low moan escaped her lips, this He smiled. It would take too long and couldn’t be happening. The Doctor was he was in a hurry. Maybe he should an ideal donor. All the data suggested dispose of Tanith after all Perhaps she it. He had a 98% match with her, had she outlived her usefulness. The whereas that fool the Master only had a idea of having a companion had been 55% match. Damn the man, had he in an attractive one, but probably foolish. some way altered his DNA or added something to it that was anomalous to Around them the ship hummed and her? vibrated with more vigour, its lights dimmed then brightened, the time rotor She dragged herself over to the medi- revolved. cal centre door; it refused to open. “We’re on the move,” Tanith declared, ACCESS CODE ALTERED. “You fool, you’re taking us away from Smith, it had to be; that cyborg Tanith the Zone.” didn’t have the technical skill. Very “Oh, it’s not remotely foolish.” Smith clever she thought but not clever gazed over to his left, where a ghostly enough and going over to a new addi- column of light was resolving itself into tion to her TARDIS that stood in one a solid shape fizzing with anger. So an corner she entered the narrow cubicle internal transmat; he'd been after one and worked a touch pad. of those for centuries. It was said to be a feature only of the type 80 capsule but clearly the Rani had adapted her Tanith jabbed her gun into Smith’s craft brilliantly. neck leaving him in no doubt as to her resolve; there would be no more “Who are you?” The Rani’s voice crack- games. Their alliance was at an end led with fury. unless he did as she instructed. “Send “I thought you’d already worked that this time capsule into the vortex and out,” Smith’s tone was deceptively mild. make sure it stays there,” she snapped. “I thought so too but clearly not. I think “I don’t take orders off a security it's time to reveal yourself.” drone,” he said softly, his eyes glacially hard. “An artificial tool with a pro-

55 She was right of course. He took out "But not for the two of us," he snarled. the pendant from where he kept it hid- den under his collar and depressed the "How do I know I can trust you?" blazing red gem at its heart. At once his "You need me; we need each other." hair grew darker and longer; his fea- tures darker; his eyes became a deep- Before she could deny it but Tanith er shade of green like those of a rep- spoke, "Where are we going – and who tile. He gained a good four inches in are you anyway?" Her weapon veered height and broadened out. The trans- between the two of them. formation completed, he gave a low, The Master and the Rani both ignored familiar chuckle. her questions. "You," she rasped, shock mixing with "Must we keep this glorified talking anger, "I might have known." dummy?" The Rani was withering. He had thought she'd work it out soon- "She may be useful to us, if nothing er. Maybe her age or her genetic illness else, she's a good shot." had slowed her down "I see my genes weren't to your taste. How sad." he "Where do we begin looking for the mocked. Doctor, anyway? His time trace has eluded me." "Where is the Doctor?" an obvious de- mand - only his DNA could save her “I am quite certain that I know where to now. find him. Miasma Goria, your adopted home. He's gone there to free your "Why don't we hunt him down togeth- poor slaves while you're away. It's typi- er," he offered? cal of his bleeding hearts.” She seemed to consider his offer for a The Time Lady stood there, hands on moment. "A truce?" she spat with con- hips, a picture of incandescent rage. tempt. "That do-gooding pest! How dare he! "An alliance; he is after all a mutual Oh I see. It was the Doctor who bugged enemy." The idea of having this witch my TARDIS not you, you just piggy as his ally amused him. backed onto his technology." "And what would you get out of it? Oh The shrug was noncommittal, did it re- of course, you need my TARDIS. ally matter now? You're trapped here, aren't you. What’s "He bugged you but I bugged him," wrong with your TARDIS? Doesn't it Smith revealed, "That's how I know work?" where he's gone." "The Doctor scrambled my demateriali- "You bugged the Doctor's TARDIS?" sation matrix," it left a bitter taste in the mouth to admit he'd been outwitted "He never knew." Smith boasted proud again, outplayed and marooned here of his foresight, but his hubris was cut with no way to escape other than by short by the sound of a familiar voice, stealing another TARDIS. coming from Tanith. The Rani's expression slipped into "Oh hello, you’re both there. That’s scorn, "Ha, he's too good for you." handy. I don’t want to spoil your fun, but I’m afraid I found your little device Inwardly seething Smith gripped the quite a long time ago. You weren’t edge of a console, his mind coming up quite clever enough Master. Anyway, with punishments to mete out to his sorry to butt in but I hope you don’t greatest enemy.

56 The ship lurched violently. The Master clung to the console fighting for control. "We're veering off course." he barked, "shifting back through space and time, but I don't recognise these coordi- nates." "It’s the planet Karn," said the Doctor almost sadly. "With any luck the Sister- hood will give you some of their elixir, mind, I secreted a little relay device on provided you ask nicely. I need all of Tanith. That’s how I am able to talk to my blood." you now.” "Damn you, Doctor." stamping her foot, "Doctor…!” the Rani interjected, "I need the Rani looked to be on the verge of a your help. I'm ill." tantrum. She turned angrily to the Mas- "Yes, yes… I know." The tone was not ter, “And damn you too”. But he could unsympathetic. "I'm transmitting the only chuckle; then the chuckle turned formula for a temporary cure that will into a loud guffaw. For all that he hated alleviate your symptoms." his life-long adversary, he knew that he would always rather admire the Doctor. "Temporary? What do you mean tem- You had to see the irony in it, the skill porary? How temporary? I need a of the Doctor's machinations. They transfusion of Time Lord blood, and were he thought quite masterful. his," she cocked a thumb at the Master, "Is no good at all."

COSMIC MASQUE 1 1977

The first ever edition of Cosmic Masque, and possibly the first fan fiction magazine, was published by DWAS in 1977. Edited by John Peel and Steven Evans, it con- tained new stories for all four (yes all four of them) Doctors.

Our facsimile largely replicates the style and layout of the original mag- azine and can be bought from our eBay site—click here to view

57 him to do. Frazer later posted on twitter – “I loved the chat, people who have never seen Patrick's Doctor! Great! “

Wendy Padbury was recently asked at the Utopia event what she thought of the Twitch marathon to which she re- The Twitch online viewing marathon plied “You mean people love Zoe in continues, and due to the number of missing episodes, we jump straight to Doctor Who on Twitch? They all sound lovely!” season 5 and Tomb of the Cybermen.

This is a traditional Doctor Who story and I think it is marvellous. It pleased For the most part the people in the Twitch chat have indeed been lovely, me greatly that the Twitch crowd however the last couple of stories have thought so too. There was much love seen some spoilers posted, ruining shown in the online comments, for things for this new group of viewers. I both Victoria and The Doctor, but the hope this doesn’t continue as it’s been character that everyone seems to have a joy watching folks experience these really taken to is Jamie. adventures for the first time.

We move on. For some reason The I was very surprised to see the notable Ice Warriors is dropped and instead we go straight to Enemy of the World drop in viewing numbers for The Sec- ond Doctor. The figures were on aver- which again, people seem to like. age between 10,000 – 12,000 for Hart-

nell and yet for Troughton they were There was some question as to how down to 6,000 – 8,000. If anything, I The Web of Fear was going to be had expected the figures to go up. I’ll shown. When episode 3 arrived, it was be keeping an eye on them as the mar- the reconstruction that was used. This confused a few people with questions athon continues. such as “Is anyone else experiencing lag?” being asked! Once it had been explained what a reconstruction was the comments changed to "POWERPOINT 1965", "TELESNAPS ARE BETTER THAN NOTHING", "META SLIDESHOW", "MORE MISS- ING EPISODES PLEASE". I’m not sure about that last one. Once we got onto episode 4 comments included "I miss the slides", "It moves!" and "RIP tele snaps". As with pretty much every- thing so far, it is all taken in good fun and I find it positive that there were over 8000 watching a recon!!

I think the high point of the second Doctor’s run on Twitch was The Mind Robber. This was received extremely well and at one point Frazer Hines himself turned up in the Twitch chat, which I thought was a great thing for

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