Welcome to this bumper issue of Cosmic Masque.

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

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

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

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

Until next time faithful readers.

Enjoy the issue.

Rik

1 2 story for the Doctor Who charity anthology that I edited, Time Shad- ows: Second Nature (still available from me for free as an e-book if you ask nicely), so he was one of the Last summer, I was honoured when first people I asked to write for CM. Paul Winter and Rik Moran asked I couldn’t be more happy with his me to become Fiction Editor of Cos- contribution to this issue, a nice lit- mic Masque, a role that began with tle robot mystery story, The Chaotic issue VII. Now, as I present my Element. Michael’s fabulous début third selection of the very best sto- novel, Geek Myths – a story of life, ries that our readers have submit- love and the pursuit of sonic screw- ted, I have been asked to write a drivers is available from Amazon. I few words to introduce the stories recommend it wholeheartedly. featured in Cosmic Masque IX. I happen to think they are three Don’t forget, Cosmic Masque is a crackers – I hope you will agree. magazine by and for its readers. I don’t know any Doctor Who fans In the 20th Anniversary Year of who haven’t got a story in them – a Doctor Who at Big Finish, it’s very story that is desperate to be told - appropriate that in Gary Merchant’s and we want to help you to tell it. rather splendid comic caper What’s Send your stories in to the email Up Doc(tor)? we have the Sixth address at the front of this issue Doctor accompanied by perhaps and they will be considered for in- the most popular of all the original clusion. It doesn’t matter if you Big Finish companions, Evelyn haven’t been published before or Smythe, checking in to a luxury ho- even if you haven’t written anything tel, only to find an old friend – that before. We can help you get your time-travelling adventuress, Iris ideas straight and down on paper. Wildthyme, Just think of how you will feel, when you see your story, under your Cameron Holt and Nathan Mullins’ name, here in Cosmic Masque. So, four-part story featuring the current get writing. I look forward to hearing TARDIS team, Requiem Among the from you. Stars, which made its début in Cos- mic Masque VIII is developing nice- Steve ly. In this issue we have episode two. Cameron and Nathan are ex- citing and ambitious young writers, who are fast making names for themselves.

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

3 4 She started walking. The last time domed ceiling. Placed along the been watching them from the begin- she had set foot inside an Osiran circular wall were elaborately deco- ning, studying them. Planning for tomb was over a thousand years rated sarcophagi, bearing faces that this moment. ago, so her memories of the stand- looked like jackals. This was not the “I can help you,” said the Doctor, ard layout were blurred. She hoped right way. rubbing dust off her coat. “You’re in they wouldn’t have to keep moving pain. Believe me, I know. Just tell for long. This tomb did seem differ- As she quickly backed up, Yasmin me what’s going on and I can set For part 1 please download Cos- ent, though – in fact, everything on blocked her exit. you free.” mic Masque VIII - click here for the planet was slightly out of place. “Doctor, what are these things?”Her Yasmin’s hands tightened into more details. Certainly, it should have been much expression was fearful. Ryan and fists.“Liar!” hotter on the surface than it current- Graham quickly turned heel, des- She screamed again and every sar- All four of the TARDIS crew jumped ly was, and the presence of a flower perate to leave. cophagus in the room snapped as high as they could and landed amongst so much desolation was “Not something you want to stick open. She fell to her knees, groan- with a bang. But the bang was not unexpected. around for,” said the Doctor, at- ing. The Doctor reached into her from them; it was a mechanical Not to mention the already lit torch- tempting to push past. “Come on. coat pocket and rummaged through sound that resonated from below, es. Time’s running out.” countless useless items until her as the circular tile started to rumble Yasmin blocked her again. “I know,” fingers touched the familiar metallic and lowered itself slowly like an ele- Osirans were a mystery she had she said, focusing her gaze on device she relied on so often. She vator. long been studying, but the Doctor each sarcophagus. “But what are pulled it forth, aiming at the small All Graham could think about was couldn’t piece it all together. Yet. they? Do you know?” army of wrapped, jackal-headed how sluggish their exit would be. “Watch out for reanimated bodies,” The Doctor felt a tinge of annoy- mummies that had started shuffling “So, Doctor,” he said, as sand from she said, half-joking. ance. There was something about towards them. above trickled into his hair. “How “Don’t,” whispered Ryan. “Just the tone of her voice that was unu- exactly did that work?” don’t.” sual. “Yes, but that’s not important Graham let out a terrified wail and “Well, it’s old,” said the Doctor, mat- They reached the junction at the right now, Yaz. We need to move.” leaned against the Doctor’s back. ter-of-factly. “There should have end of the corridor. There was a Yasmin pushed against the Doc- Yasmin pushed herself up and ran been an identification scanner that path leading left and another lead- tor’s chest, stronger than expected. out of the room, wincing and hold- restricts anyone but family mem- ing right, but no indication as to “You are stubborn, aren’t you?” she ing her head. Ryan stepped for- bers from entering, but it must have which one would guide them to the said, staring at the Doctor curiously. wards, letting his emotions take broken down over time. So, I hoped burial chamber. The glyphs on the “Aliens always are. But you… control, but the Doctor shoved him a good jump would jog the machine wall that usually served as direc- you’re especially bad.” back with her free arm. “Wait!” she into action. And it did.” tions for grieving families were non- The Doctor’s hearts sank. She shouted, fiddling with the sonic “Luck, then.” existent. Of course, the Doctor grabbed hold of Ryan and Gra- screwdriver and holding it above “Yep.” couldn’t tell her companions that. ham’s arms, but it was too late. her head. “Hold onto your ear- “Of course.” “This way,” she said with forced Yasmin opened her mouth and drums!” confidence, heading left. “Shouldn’t screamed, creating a shockwave A high-pitched, pulsing noise burst be long now.” that sent the three of them flying to from the screwdriver as the tomb’s The ancient elevator screeched to a “Until what?” asked Yasmin. “What the centre of the room. They landed foundations shook in reverberation. very slow halt and, up above, an- are we aiming for?” violently, Ryan scraping his arm The mummies halted where they other circular tile slid in from the “The burial chamber,” said the Doc- and Graham knocking his head. were and collapsed, convulsing on wall to seal the travellers inside. In tor. “I thought that was obvious.” The Doctor landed on her feet and the floor until, finally, they were mo- front, the Doctor could see a torch- She could hear Yasmin’s tut in per- helped her companions up, watch- tionless. The noise faded. The Doc- lit corridor stretching out towards a fect clarity, echoing through the half ing Yasmin’s movements careful- tor lowered her trusty device and junction further ahead. A musky, -lit labyrinth. They turned another ly.The tingling sensation she had dropped it into her pocket, secretly damp scent forced its way into her corner and eventually found them- mentioned earlier. Of course. Who- pleased with herself. nostrils. Interesting. selves in a bigger room with a ever was in that burial chamber had Ryan and Graham cautiously 5 6 moved from their spot. Graham situations like this, the Doctor al- puppet!” needed answers. Just two more. kicked one of the mummies where ways remembered the people she’d “Yeah!” said Graham. “I’ve seen “Who built all this?” she asked. its ribs would have been, creating a lost – either because of her own you get out of worse scrapes than Yasmin looked down at the ground. metallic clang. “Robots?” said lack of foresight, or things beyond this!” “My… daughter.” Ryan, sweat dripping down his her control. She felt Bill’s cries of Yasmin groaned and held onto her “And what happened?” cheek. anguish as cybernetics ripped temples. The Doctor seized her Yasmin’s eyes started to flicker. “Defensive weaponry,” the Doctor through her skin. The searing pain chance and ran to the computer, “They… took her…” replied, fast-walking to where they’d as Clara’s soul was torn from her soaking up as much data as she The Doctor couldn’t let her friend go entered. “There are probably more body. The ice-cold touch as Amy could. A resurrection device. Never through this anymore. She pressed scattered all over. We need to fig- and Rory were dragged from their completed, but still running. Why? the shut down command, causing ure out how to avoid them.” own time forever. She remembered Who would do something like this? her companion to scream and fall She knelt down and closed her Adric’s fatal, misplaced heroism In her peripheral vision, the Doctor over unconscious. Then there was eyes. Taking Yasmin was a mistake and how helpless she was to stop saw Yasmin raise her head in silence. Ryan ran over to Yasmin this Osiran would live to regret. Katarina and Sara becoming vic- alarm. “No!” she screamed. “Get and knelt down, furiously trying to Ryan tried to protest, but the Doctor tims of a ruthless Dalek cru- away!” wake her. Graham stood beside raised a finger to silence him. Yas- sade.Yasmin would not join them. The Doctor accessed the main them, helpless. min would likely be heading directly Not today. commands and found the shut But it wasn’t over. The Doctor to the burial chamber. Thankfully, down function. Her finger hovered sensed something. From the sar- both humans and Time Lords had After an eternity of running, they over the touch screen. “Right!” she cophagus, a pulsing wave had psychic potential, and the Doctor entered a large chamber. What the said, putting on her best game face. started to emerge. Like the one that had spent enough time with her Doctor saw could have intrigued her “With one press of this command, I had interfered with the TARDIS. three companions that, with a great for days if she hadn’t been so pre- can send you back to the afterlife. This time, it was more localised. deal of willpower, she could poten- occupied with the task at hand. Done. Check and mate. But I want And then the lit torches around the tially establish a link; especially now At the back was a large, golden sar- answers first. If you don’t comply, I chamber extinguished themselves that the Osiran had widened Yas- cophagus, surrounded by flowers press the button. If you don’t let one by one, until only the black void min’s mind. growing through cracks in the floor, Yasmin go, I press the button. Don’t remained. walls and ceiling. Yasmin was think I haven’t been through this “Doctor,” said Ryan’s pained voice. The Doctor winced in pain, focusing kneeling by its base in a stance that sort of situation many times before. “Is she going to be alright?” hard on the presence she had suggested prayer. When she I will send you kicking and scream- The Doctor pulled out her sonic grown to recognise. Her face. Her looked more closely, the Doctor no- ing if I have to.” screwdriver and switched on the smell. Her voice. Everything ap- ticed wires emerging from all sides Yasmin seemed like she was think- light so it was bright enough to illu- peared in growing clarity, giving her of the sarcophagus, leading to a ing it over. Then she fell onto her minate the room. “She’ll be fine, something to hold onto. She fought large computer terminal in the cor- side, wincing and moaning. Ryan. Don’t worry. We, on the other past all of the racing thoughts and ner of the room. It looked operation- “Doctor,” she said desperately. hand…” emotions that threatened to throw al. “Don’t let her play for time… she’s At that moment, the lid of the sar- her off the path, and then, with one Ryan and Graham came to a halt trying to drain…” She stopped ab- cophagus burst open and the half- final push, she felt the soft touch of beside the Doctor, clearly as baffled ruptly and sat up, subduing her in- decayed body of the Osiran sat up skin as her hand took hold of Yas- as she was. Except, now she was ner conflict.“What answers would like an animatronic puppet. Its dark- min’s. Her eyes snapped open. starting to connect the dots. you like to hear?” she asked coldly. green eyes pierced through the “I know where she’s going.” “This is keeping you alive, then?” The Doctor knew what Yasmin had beige light of the Doctor’s device. said the Doctor, stepping very slow- meant. The terminal had told her Graham froze. The Osiran turned ly towards the terminal. that another being’s life force was its head towards the Doctor. It didn’t The three members of the TARDIS Yasmin said nothing. The Doctor needed to complete the process. speak. Instead, the bubble of reality crew ran through winding corridors edged closer. One wrong move Yasmin was being drained as they around it rippled and it warped in- that seemed to lead further and fur- could destroy everything. spoke, giving the Osiran a new stantly to the chamber door. ther below the surface of the planet, “Yaz, snap out of it!” shouted Ryan. lease of life. But the Doctor still It stretched itself out then shambled never stopping, never relenting. In “Don’t let that thing make you its 7 8 through to the corridor beyond be- DIS.” Ryan and Yasmin shared a look of Time seemed to slow down as the fore warping out of sight. The Doc- The Doctor took hold of her arm concern. TARDIS dematerialised, then re- tor struggled to comprehend what and felt her pulse. Everything “There must be something you can materialised around the Doctor and she had just witnessed. She walked seemed to be in order. “Can I just do?” said Ryan. “Can’t it… I don’t her friends, and then dematerialised over to Graham and put a hand on say that I’m really proud of you, know… move closer?” once more. They were yet to dis- his shoulder. “You okay?” she Yaz,” she said, half-smiling. The Doctor looked at him like he cover something else was aboard. asked. “Overpowering an Osiran, even for was an idiot. At first, it wasn’t immediately obvi- He stared towards the dark corridor. a moment, is a massive achieve- “If it could do that on its own, don’t ous, but the TARDIS was only just “What was that?” ment. But you’re right. No time for you think it would have been here warming up. “I’m not quite sure,” said the Doctor. chit chat.”She strode towards the by now?” “But if I had to guess, I would say chamber’s exit, then stopped. “Uh… Ryan sighed. “Alright, fine. We’re “Well, wasn’t that lucky,” said the that it’s stuck between life and who remembers the way out?” done for.” Doctor, placing her screwdriver in death – half body, half soul. And it Yasmin smiled and took the lead, The Doctor pulled out her screw- her pocket. clearly wants something. It didn’t guiding them to their destination. driver. Her eyes widened. “You can thank me later,” remarked absorb all of Yasmin’s life force, but “Unless… I send it a signal.” Ryan, who breathed a sigh of relief. there was enough to try and find The three companions stared at “That was a smart move.” what it’s looking for.” The elevator rose to the surface of her. Yasmin knew this would hap- “Not ‘alf,” agreed Graham. “We’d “Which is?” the central chamber, halting with a pen. It always did. The Doctor held have been battered by that sand- “I don’t know.” screech. In the distance, shambling up the sonic device and switched it storm!” Yasmin lifted her head and took a through the archway through which on, aiming at the small blue rectan- “What about the Osiran?” queried deep breath. The Doctor and Gra- they had come in was the Osiran. It gle in the distance that was close to Yasmin. ham ran over to her. “She wants the turned its head, focusing its green being swallowed by the sand. “You tell me,” said the Doctor. TARDIS,” Yasmin said croakily. eyes on Yasmin. She could feel its “Oh, this had better work,” said the “What do you mean?” her friend “She thinks there’s something in mind touching her own, as if assert- Doctor, wincing. “Please, old girl, answered, although not in a sharp there that will help her find her ing dominance. Then, after a tense don’t let me down! Don’t let two tone of voice. She was just curious. daughter. That’s why she brought it few seconds, it simply turned back thousand years of friendship go to “Well at one stage, you were con- here.” around and continued its journey. It waste!” nected to the Osiran. You knew The Doctor felt very uneasy. The had a greater goal in mind. So, as the Osiran drew closer and where it was headed. In fact, you TARDIS was capable of finding an- Her legs felt like jelly, and her head closer to its target, and the sand- led us to safety. Do something for ything in the universe, but there a whirlwind, but Yasmin kept up storm threatened to cut their travels me, Yaz,” began the Doctor, now was something else clawing at the with the others as they ran outside short, Yasmin found herself believ- face to face with her young com- back of her mind that was even into the desolate sands of Sirius IV. ing in the Time Lord once again. panion. “Close your eyes. Think more relevant. An extremely im- Yet, things had changed. The air That faith had not let her down be- back… just a little, to the Osiran portant clue that seemed to be was no longer cold but scorching fore, and it certainly wouldn’t now. and what it did to you. Concentrate. missing. Maybe Graham had been hot, and the sandstorms that had Not after all they’d been through. Seek it out…” right about the state of her memory, once kept their distance were now She closed her eyes, listening to Suddenly Yasmin shivered. A cold or maybe there was something far almost upon them. the wailing wind and the screeching shiver in a now much warmer room more sinister at play. Either way, “We won’t make it,” said the Doctor, of the sonic screwdriver. than before. Perhaps, she thought, she couldn’t stand around doing alarmed. “We’ll be ripped to shreds They were not going to die today. she was coming down with some- nothing. before we get there.” thing, but she knew full well she “Come on, Yaz,” said Ryan, helping “Then so will she!” said Graham. was mistaken. her stand. “Let’s get you out of “No,” said the Doctor. “She’s a lot The TARDIS received a command “It’s here,” she said, coldly. “It’s here.” more powerful than all of us com- from the Doctor herself. An order it among us.” Yasmin stood up straight and gently bined, even in that shape. She’ll knew it must respond to. But as it “But how?” started Graham. “Sure it brushed him off. “I’m alright, Ryan. make it. And the TARDIS will be did so, the Osiran burst through its was fast, but when the sandstorm Just focus on getting to the TAR- fine.” doors, gaining entry to the ship. was raging, it was nowhere to be

9 10 seen. I could just about make out make sure that this was the night model than the one it wore at week- the TARDIS on the horizon, but I when all the plans were due to cul- ends, when the little robot could sure as hell didn’t see the Osiran.” minate. relax and do its own thing. LV5 had “Of course,” remembered the Doc- The empirical information of its ocu- recently developed a preference for tor. “At the speed it evaded us in lar sensors was very much at odds a body which was more comfortable the tunnels, it must jump time, par- with the experienced information it and less businesslike but such pref- ticularly whilst phasing in and out of had at hand. And LV5 did not like erences went against The Operat- this world, whilst desperately trying It should have been a dark and that at all. ing System and were to be discour- to establish a link. Well… now it’s stormy night. The conflicting data set its diodes aged. on board, I’m sorry to have to tell But it wasn't. on edge and caused all sorts of log- you all it will have established that LV5 knew for a fact that it should ic issues to bubble and boil deep "Long live The OS." LV5 said at a link, because as the TARDIS have been a dark and stormy night inside its processors. The squat low, almost inaudible volume as a moves through time, so do we, because it had visited the weather robot had great plans; plans which shooting star lit up the sky for 3.265 which means the speed at which control office, filled in the correct centred on there being lightning in seconds. Then from somewhere the Osiran travelled will have forms and left them with the correct the sky; lightning ready to provide a beyond LV5s veranda, came a slowed down dramatically to keep buro-bot-official. This had been af- jolt of badly needed energy. noise that its audio circuits identi- up with the TARDIS as it too now ter a painfully long wait in a painful- Without the required weather it was fied as familiar and yet alarming travels in the vortex.” ly long queue. going to be just another dull night; a unclassifiable. “Great,” said Ryan. “So when it Standing in the doorway of its dull night when the plans would... comes to kill us, it won’t all be over home, LV5 looked up and saw that LV5 paused and juddered for a mo- As the robot searched again for a in an instant. It’ll be a long and the sky was currently a deep shade ment. precise match to the sound, it bloody affair.” of crimson. It was a median of the What exactly had its plans been? seemed again to be missing a spe- “Well, we’re not going to dwell on 220 20 60 range of colours, a medi- There was a hole in its memory cific identifying marker. The search that,” replied the Doctor, “because an that LV5 found strangely sooth- where its plans should have been. brought up only an approximation, that’s just one of many outcomes ing. Links and subroutines all pointed of a long thin piece of metal being that may or may not come to pass, The stars were beginning their towards something vast and omi- slowly moved along the length of a and besides... I want to know more evening jaunt across the sky while nous but the actual plans were no- much smaller piece of metal. The about what it Local Star Prime had almost van- where to be found. This concerned sound had an undeniable harmonic thinks it’ll find, before it gets round ished behind the Starboard Moun- the robot even more than the lack quality that set it apart from being a to laying us to rest.” tains; and the ever changing glow of lightning. simple grinding noise. of Proximal Orbiting Rock illuminat- To be continued... ed the perfectly clear night with its If the LV5 had been wearing an al- As quickly as it had begun the noise reflected visual energy. ternative body then it would have stopped. LV5 knew that something been more than able to bite its own as peculiar as this would be ignored LV5 checked its memory again. The nails. However the body which it by many of the bots. It knew also correct request forms had been cor- currently inhabited had barely that ignoring it might be the best rectly completed and then they had enough spare thumbs to engage in course of action. been correctly handed over to be extensive twiddling. LV5 had devel- Perhaps this new sound was anoth- correctly processed and yet there oped a curious fondness for twid- er entry into the catalogue of errors was still no sign of an electrical dling its thumbs and had even con- that had filled the evening and, LV5 storm brewing in the sky nor a sin- sidered having permanent thumbs reasoned, all that the little tired bot gle cloud above it to spoil the per- as part of any future upgrade. needed was a good night’s fect sunset. This morning, LV5 had elected to defragmentation and a full re- Idly LV5 rotated one of its vision wear a very functional form; a body, charge. If things were still bad in the sensors towards the wall calendar more suited to its jobs as a commu- morning LV5 could make an ap- and checked the date for the thirty- nity worker; an altogether less sleek pointment to see the Diagnostic in seventh time that hour in order to

11 12 the morning - if it could get past the sensor of that type would be limited Bot. If the constantly flashing the er had more than its fair share of reception algorithm on the desk. to less than half of the available information screens were anything intuition, which was a much sought After all, it pondered; the excite- spectrum. Madness! Then there to be believed, the whole of modern after upgrade that was never going ment which was originally lined up was the matter of the multitude of civilisation was at constant threat to be in the grasp of a bot like LV5, for this evening was now definitely holes across its top section. from the curse of unprotected file although it could recognise it in oth- not on the cards - whatever that The top section had a name - it was sharing. ers. excitement had actually been. called 'head'. How did LV5 know "I wonder..." said the pink bot as it that? This particular 'head' had a Once LV5 had managed to engage approached LV5, raising a device As LV5 rotated its body ready to go mass of loosely coiled wire fixed the arcane language files it selected that resembled an augmented hy- back inside and head to its re- across its top – from somewhere an appropriate response. dro spanner. As the figure drew charge booth for some well de- the word ‘hair’ came to LV5; and "I am fine thank you," it said and closer, LV5 ran quickly through the served voltage, there came a sec- the hole that the sounds seemed to pondered for a moment. "Can I help catalogue in search of the manufac- ond strange noise which it immedi- be emanating from had a set of you?" added the little robot thinking turing specifications for the device. ately identified as language of some very large and very white cutting that there should be more to the sort. Solid state protocols buried implements which were presumably exchange. If nothing else, it was "I am beginning to think that some- deep inside the metal body, en- some sort of rudimentary multifunc- intrigued by the new arrival and its one has been messing with your gaged and long dormant translation tional tool. From below the ‘head’ motives. memory. Now, that's not very polite centres fired up. LV5 was rather down to the floor, the figure was "I just thought I would pop round to of them is it?" said the pink robot. surprised to find an extensive folder covered in an apparently random give you a hand with your little ex- containing an entire database of arrangement of fabrics; the most periment." The device (which, surprisingly did this particular form of communica- striking feature of which was a long The intruders’ words worried LV5 not appear in the catalogue) made tion. It was very old and never used multi-coloured band, wound around as it imagined that it had been tre- a screeching noise that caused LV5 but it was still there and taking up the narrow part immediately be- mendously careful not to tell any- to feel positively uncomfortable for valuable space on the solid drive. neath the figure’s ‘head’, which one about the plans it had made. It a fleeting moment; but when the LV5 made a mental note to exam- dragged behind it along the floor. had a memory of keeping the secret sound abated LV5 was amazed at ine this hidden file system later. but not of the actual secret itself. the wave of internal pop-up mes- LV5 stared at the new figure and sages informing it that it had been As the files information opened and wondered what level of file corrup- LV5 processed for a moment and granted access to new files. A cas- cascaded through its accessible tion and bad data would inspire the reasoned that it was reasonable to cade of them was appearing across memory the sound was immediately owner to make such curious choic- assume that there could be others its entire operating system. There identified as an archaic yet rather es in its outward appearance. involved in its plan; and that those were old memory files filled with pleasant greeting. "I said ‘Hello’ others could still have knowledge of information and research; hundreds there. Is it all right if I come in?" "Look old chap. Can you under- the plan itself. Plans they could of files that had previously been Standing in the entrance to LV5’s stand me? Hello.'" The pink ro- share with LV5. Even if the intruder corrupted and deleted; everything home was the single strangest ro- boform remained at the entrance to did look ridiculous, it could hold the now returned and running perfect- boform it had ever seen. This new LV5’s home. key to the truth. ly. robot had an outer housing which LV5 ran a quick handshake pro- LV5 remembered how careful it had seemed to be made of some sort of gramme at the visitor. The poor been; even going to the ludicrous The visitors face seemed to crack thin rubber, which for some curious creature seemed to have its infor- lengths of fire walling off huge open revealing the shining white reason the inhabitant had decided mation sharing protocols switched chunks of memory files then logging stones within. The re-opened to spray 108-6C pink. The ludicrous off. Perhaps that was for the best, an error message when it failed to memory files knew this face. design choices did not end there. as the machine was clearly defec- update the group server. "Thank you Doctor," said LV5 with a LV5 marvelled at the pair of optical tive and sharing defective files growing sense of realisation, "I am sensors which although unfeasibly these days was a capital offence. The rubber on the front of the pink beginning to suspect the others large, seemed surprisingly basic in After all, No one wants to get cor- roboform changed shape. "You know what I am up to." their operation. It was sure that a rupted through contact with a faulty don't seem to remember me at all." "Well that would be the logical rea- It was clear to LV5 that the interlop- son for you to forget ever knowing 13 14 me. Look, why don't I install a little a separate name - a name known sence of..." He reached inside the "I didn't ask you to quote scripture. I security protocol into your operating to every single robot; a mythical flowing material covering that asked you your opinion. That is a system? You know, something to creature known as a human. adorned his body and brought out a fairly simplistic view if you don't stop anyone messing with that im- cylindrical object with a criss-cross mind me saying so." The Doctor pressive core programme of yours. The crack in the centre of the crea- pattern over most of its length and a seemed a little angry. LV5 looked up at its friend. tures face expanded once again white end, which the Doctor began "Do you mind if I put some logic "And while I'm giving you an up- showing more of the white calcium unscrewing frantically. "…tea. So, I problems your way?" asked the hu- grade, would you like me to install a units Teeth! They were called brought my own thermos flask." man shaped visitor." little something to help you pretend teeth. Suddenly the organic life form bent Again LV5 engaged the idioms from to forget all of this so that you draw Suddenly, there were mountains of at its centre and LV5 was con- its newly acquired language files. less attention to yourself." information about the biology of cerned that the Doctor was mal- "Be my guest." these creatures all readily available. functioning before it realised that it The Doctor looked out of the door LV5 seemed to get smaller for a LV5’s hidden H: drive partition was was merely changing position from and across the valley. "Let’s start moment. The act of lying to its fel- now wide open. vertical to semi-vertical. This shape with something less inflammatory. low inhabitants of the planetoid was clearly had semi collapsible limbs. LV5, what’s the name of the anathema to its very existence. "You know, I wouldn't take it per- New words rose from its archive of town?" Abstractedly, The Doctor looked out sonally. Clearly someone really information, "sitting down." LV5 was LV5 wondered if his visitor was of the portal and towards the sky. "I wanted you to forget our last few intrigued by this concept and decid- lacking in basic knowledge as this don't think you're going to get your meetings. And rewriting the odd ed to investigate it later. For now, was hardly a logic problem, it was storm tonight. Come to think of it, subroutine is clearly something other more pressing questions were merely an enquiry, "The town?" asking for a storm directly from they've been doing for a while. Do rising from the newly acquired da- "Yes the large habitation, the place weather control may just have you remember anything about our ta. where you asked ever so politely for brought you to their attention." little chats? I'd hate to think I've the storm you never received. LV5 re-scanned its own memory been wasting my breath, especially "Doctor, why do I now have memo- What's it called?" and found a previously missing 20 in a world so low on oxygen." ries of the organic life forms; and LV5 seemed to have acquired a minute segment in which that rather LV5 processed for a moment then more importantly why were they not rudimentary sarcasm patch. "Thank officious looking security bot had said, "I have some items of memory previously accessible?" you for the clarification. The town is taken LV5 to one side and wiped but huge sections of data are frag- "There is nothing like asking the known as 'Impact'." the memory. mented and may not be immediate- most complicated question first, is "'Impact.' That is a curious name for "Yes. I suppose that would make ly accessible." there?" a town. I mean it’s not Brighton or sense.” 'Doctor, if this unit were capable of LV5 thought for a moment and then Hove but it is still quite curious." emotions then I am quite sure I said, "No, there are at least 17,000 "I have never given it any thought." LV5’s new files were slowly being would be feeling a combination of more complicated questions but "Or you have been programmed not integrated into its operating system anger and violation. Without memo- let's start with that one." to question it," suggested the Doc- causing it to experience a whole ries we are diminished." "Actually let’s not. How about I ask tor. new set of sensations while the in- The crack in the creatures face; its you some questions and we can terloper looked on. mouth, changed shape. "Now that's see if you can fill in the blanks? I LV5 was particularly proud of the It suddenly realised that the form in the LV5 I know and love. I couldn't mean do you know where life start- location of his dwelling. Not only did front of it was not a robot at all it agree more, old chap. Now, I sup- ed on this world for a start?" it provide free access to the electri- was something very, very old and pose I'd better get you up to speed The Doctor clearly wanted to check cal experiments; but it allowed a something that registered as poten- and see if we can plug some of that the LV5 was operating at full wonderful view of the town in the tially life changing and maybe dan- those holes in that memory of yours capacity and was opening with valley below. "You can see most of gerous. And yet there were files shall we?" some simple questions. the town from the veranda. But then specifically linked to this unit - a The Doctor continued, "The one "An easy one Doctor. We have al- again, I suspect you already know new word - friend. thing that I don't like about visiting ways been here and we will always that, as I am convinced we have The shape in general however, had automata worlds is their distinct ab- remain here. We are forever." spoken before."

15 16 "Oh yes we have not just talked," you think that the original shape of young." "Do you know what they mean?" the Doctor lent in conspiratorially, the town of Impact might have been "Yes, the robot children I've met asked the Doctor. "we have planned." He sprang to a lot different? And, if that is the them, they're quite charming, if a LV5 stared at the images and ex- his feet. "Come outside and tell me case, what shape and function little boisterous. Some of them don't amined them closely before check- what you can see." might it have had" know their own strength. Robots ing their meaning. Like old friends they journeyed LV5 considered and fixated on the building robots it's simply marvel- There were three large shapes and through the door and into the cool word 'might.' and then it set about lous." The Doctor remembered his a smaller block of code under- evening. Now that the sunset was creating a series of complex three questioning. "But could it have neath. almost complete the electrical lights dimensional images; taking care to flown?" The three shapes were letters. of the town were beginning to flicker slot the parts back together. Finally LV5 considered the physics of the UEE into luminescence. Using an illegal LV5 made a 'ping" noise. shape and the practicalities in- "Do you know what UEE is my me- pride patch, LV5 showed its new/ "Yes, logically the town could have volved. "Limited sub-orbital flight. tallic friend?" old friend the view of the valley be- been contained inside a single The fins would be for guidance on- "Negative." low. structure. That structure would have ly." LV5 realised that these were "UEE stands for United Earth Exo- "Yes, it’s very pretty I'm sure, but been a solid, slightly flattened, cy- not its own thoughts. The descrip- dus and the words underneath say tell me, what do you actually see?" lindrical shape with a series of fins tion was coming from a long lost file 'Venture Seven.' The mystery of enquired the Doctor. at its edge and on top." somewhere deep inside. The flight whatever happened to the Venture Confused by the question LV5 an- "Excellent. And what would its pur- manual. Seven has puzzled historians for swered the best it could, "It is pose have been?" "Doctor! How would I know all this hundreds of years and there it is home." "Purpose?" and yet I do not?" being used as a town hall. Tell me The Doctor was displaying new "Yes. If the whole place was "It looks like only parts of your LV5, what do you know about emotions that would need to be packed into one shape; and it was a memory were wiped, while others Earth?" cross referenced later. lovely shape too; what was it for, were hard wired and were simply Again, this was an easy question. "No, tell me what you really see. and what happened? I’ll give you a hidden. Let’s take a walk into town "Yes, Earth. It is a fictional planet of What shape is it?" clue. Remember what you called shall we? And while we walk, we monsters, which are not made of LV5 considered its answer. "Well the town." can take a look at that structure metal or plastic. They spread out the central area seems to have It was only a matter of seconds be- over near the pointy end and you into the universe causing nothing once been a long cylindrical shape fore LV5 produced a full schematic can tell me what that writing says." but destruction and pain wherever and now it looks like large sections for the shape, extrapolating it out- they go. It is nothing more than a have been taken apart and used to wards and searching for a function. Lose rocks and pebbles scattered fairy story." make various buildings and utility As a robot, LV5 knew that function as the pair made their way down "So robots believe in fairies? That's structures. We can still make out and form were at the core of any the side of the valley toward the a thesis waiting to be written. If that the majority of its shape." design. Design is beauty and beau- town that LV5 had called Impact. is the case then why does your "Excellent!" The Doctor displayed ty is truth. As they walked down the hillside town have human writing on its side more teeth. "Yes, that's it. Now the Design - the town had been built for the Doctor noted the ever pervasive and how is it that you know Earth last time we talked like this, you as- another purpose. information screens that filled every languages?" sured me that the shape was just a The shape was more than familiar corner of the town; their soft glow The questions began to cascade coincidence. So now I ask you and could only have had a single providing extra illumination on their and the undeniable logic converted again," the Doctor pointed to the function. But the function was a journey. itself into an inescapable truth. western end of the valley, "what if myth. LV5 looked towards the front of the "We are from Earth? Surely that's we factor in those scorch marks?" "Well?" asked the Doctor after a ship and the black markings it had heresy." LV5 had to admit that there was a few moments of silence. walked past almost every day just "Fairies and heresy in the same huge dark area towards one end of "Logically the town of Impact was a assuming that they were some sort day; I know a few philosophers who the town disappearing off over the travel machine. But flying cities are of art. Now, given access to the old would have a field-day with you, mountains. not real. They are only legends. language files a new meaning was LV5. I not only think you are from "Now here is your logic problem. Do They are the stories we tell our dawning on the small bot. Earth but I think that someone

17 18 doesn't want you to know the truth. Actually I'm sure Ike Asimov would ment with his arm and gestured to- LV5 finished off the Doctor’s train I think we should take a closer look have got a kick out of all this too, wards a set of large tanks on the of thought. "Only the Venture Sev- at that ship of yours. Wouldn't you but enough of that, we have im- wall near a raised dais. "This is the en never made it to another world. agree?" portant work to do. We need to find matter repatriations room." Is that why you are here Doctor? For a millisecond LV5 was con- out who has been messing with LV5 searched its memory banks To wake the humans? To... unzip fused - Ship? Town? "Yes. Let us your memory and more important- and came back with nothing. their files?" investigate." ly..." he paused for effect. "Do you remember what I was say- "Well, to be honest. That's why I "Yes Doctor?" ing about the ship being from came in the first place. You know, As they grew closer to the settle- "Why?" Earth?" to solve a mystery; save the hu- ment LV5 was surprised by how Again, LV5 processed. "Of course I remember Doctor. It mans; pretty much a normal day for little reaction the Doctor was raising was only moments ago that you me. But then I found you and all in the other inhabitants. "If this town has the same lay out as said that." your metal chums and to be hon- "Doctor, the others...?" the other Venture Class ships, then "Excellent, it's good to see that the est, LV... I may call you LV mayn’t "What about them?" I think there is something in here holes in your memory aren't grow- I? I've grown rather fond of you "They are not reacting to you at all. we need to see." The Doctor led ing. Well, the people of Earth need- all." Can’t they see you? Are you really LV5 through the maze of small out- ed to escape from some sort of dis- "So, what was the lightning for? here at all or are you nothing more buildings and into the heart of the aster or other. They are always do- What did I need the power for?" than glitch in my software?" town; a building that LV5 could now ing that sort of thing. But with space "Well... At our last meeting you de- "We are all a glitch in somebody’s not see as anything other than a being a bit on the large side it takes cided that you needed to ask a real software. But no, I think that they crashed and cannibalised star ship. such a long time to get anywhere. human what they wanted and to do have all been programmed not to The stars above vanished as they So, those clever little monkeys are that you would have to power up see me, or anyone this shape. Like entered a long cylindrical corridor always looking for new ways to the T-MAT unit. That and get the you said, humans are the stuff of and they walked deeper into the travel." The Doctor was clearly en- terraforming unit up to speed. Hu- legend, you can’t have one just main structure. LV5 felt file connec- joying explaining things to LV5. mans need air after all, and all you turning up on the street now, can tions tell it that it had been here be- were using it for was a little spot of you? As far as these little chaps are fore but again it was frustrating to "Anyway, one bright spark came up weather control." concerned I'm almost invisible." find that it had no memories. with the idea using a system called "Don't you need air to..." LV5 knew "Almost?" And as if in answer to "Doctor, have we been here be- T-MAT; a sort of matter transport the word, "breath?" LV5’s question, one taller bot fore?" system... but that's not important "Ah! You see it's my turn to tell the swerved to avoid the Doctor then "Yes, I have shown you this room a right now. So this little genius had truth. I'm not exactly human. I don't carried on its way as if nothing had couple of times. In fact this room is the idea of converting loads of peo- need nearly as much oxygen as a happened. the reason you had requested the ple into information, but then not human. I need some; just not as "My guess is that they are register- lightning storm. Here let me get the putting them back together right much." ing my existence on a subcon- switches." The Doctor headed to away. Instead, all the information scious level. It’s fascinating really. the corner of the room and set was loaded onto a computer on a A voice boomed from the doorway Anyway, it wouldn't really do to about a control panel with his de- spaceship and only reassembled "So you are here to bring the hu- have all of the inhabitants descend- vice. If LV5 had been capable of into people once they had reached mans back. LV5 Get away from ing on us with a multitude of ques- facial expressions then It would their destination. That way you did- that bag of flesh before you end up tions and no answers." have elected to look confused. n't need to feed them on the voy- bringing about the end of the age; and they could all fit into a world." The Doctor bounded out in front of "You must have noticed that this much smaller ship; a ship with a The Doctor smiled. "Oh look. It’s a group of tall security robots who ship... your town is big. Big, but not crew of rather lovely robots to take the friendly neighbourhood megalo- simply separated and went around big enough to carry a population of care of them while they were noth- maniac. And he has brought some him without even breaking step. few million people. Which brings us ing but data, enjoying a million year gruff looking chums along too." "Behold! I am the invisible man. Old to this..." nap." A tall spindly robot stood at the Herbert would have been proud. The Doctor made a strange move- doorway.

19 20 "Doctor, that's the Librarian.” "Yes, you and your evolution non- save us all. You are the chaotic ele- agined it possessed. "Rather than "Librarians! The worst kind of meg- sense. I ask you the same question ment. Once we have removed you withhold proof or spread lies, I will alomaniacs in the universe, mark that I asked you all those years from the equation, then things can tell my ideas to the people and let my words. If you've ever had a ago. How could an inferior creature go back to normal. Normality will them decide what to do. I hope that book overdue, you will know what I possibly have created us?" return." like me, they will want to meet our mean." "That's pretty messed up logic, if "The Doctor smiled, "And all it takes ancestors." "Humans cannot be allowed to you ask me; which you should. I is the death of a couple of people. "But we will become their slaves!" walk among us again." mean I am usually the smartest No thank you." pleaded the Librarian. "Oh come on, Librarian. Some of person in the room." The Librarian rounded on him. "You The Doctor coughed and interrupt- my best friends are human. They "No one asked you, flesh box!" should not be here. You are an ed "Not necessarily. Things have aren't all that bad." screeched the Librarian. "This is anomaly. " moved on in the universe since you The Librarian turned to LV5. "All of between LV5 and me." "I do try. Oh and Mister Librarian, I had your little accident. Robot rights this is your fault." "Now there is a thing, robots taking think you have forgotten some- are very much in vogue right now. I "My fault?" LV5 looked on. "How things personally. You really are thing." could introduce you to some lovely can this be my fault?" quite a special little subspecies. "Impossible. It is my function to re- people. And that unruly mob out- "Core memory release code Alpha Now, Mister Librarian... your code member everything, in order to side will probably have an opinion Seven November - Trigger word doesn't happen to be LV1 by any teach the..." The librarian froze. about it. I don't think people take 'Bean'," replied the Librarian. "You chance does it... I wonder what "Teach the humans... you were go- kindly to being threatened with a and your theories of evolution - happened to the other three..." ing to say teach the humans." factory reset, you know. " madness." "That is not important. You will suf- "No, that is not what I meant. You "But what about the humans, Doc- For the second time that evening fer a much worse fate - terminal will listen.” tor? All that living data?" new memories appeared in LV5’s recycling." “Maybe we should take a little look "I can’t be expected to think of eve- memory. This time they had not "What, really? That doesn't sound outside." suggested the Doctor. rything. I am sure you and your simply been wiped these had been likely! We are for the knackers yard "What is that noise? Treachery!" metal chums can come up with hidden with a secure lock. Releas- because you can’t handle a few screeched the Librarian and the some sort of solution. You are ing these was painful in the ex- new ideas?" group turned to the door. bright chaps. If you do decide to treme. "It doesn't have to end like this." "Looks like the natives are revolt- bring some of them back from stor- "Do you understand now?" whis- LV5 interrupted. "There is a solu- ing. Metal villagers with pitchforks. age, just remember that they will pered the Librarian bot. tion." You can't wipe all their memories." need air, water and food. And often "What's up old chap?" asked the The librarian paused, "I am listen- they will need to be talked to as if Doctor with huge concern. ing." LV5 stood closer to the Doctor. they were children. Just don't let "EVERY... Every... Everything is "I submit to a factory reset, that "What is happening?" them think that you are patronising clear now. I was not always a should stop me from coming up "Oh I thought that the rest of the them. They can take it badly. Oh maintenance bot," LV5 looked di- with any more ideas of my own in inhabitants should know about all of and you may need this." The Doctor rectly at the Librarian. I was a li- future. In return, you let the Doctor this. When I put the lights on I also handed over his thermos flask. "I'm brarian too... I accessed the an- go. engaged the security cameras and sure that some of them may need a cient files... No… not files... non- The Librarian shook its top section. the town’s information screens. The nice cup of tea when they wake volatile recording devices - books. I "Don't you understand, LV5? That locals have seen and heard every- read the old books and..." is why you are LV5 and not LV2. thing. See Librarian, you have an- "Don't blow a gasket. Take it nice You have been reset three times noyed everyone. What are you go- and easy," smiled the Doctor. already. And every time you end up ing to do? Factory reset them all?" LV continued. "And I had a theory. confronting me with your ideas." "If I have to, I will reset the whole We were descended from humans. "Ah, an inescapable truth." quipped colony." We were their products. We were the Doctor. "I think you are the one who is their children; their rightful de- "There is no alternative. LV5 I am heading for a factory reset." Said scendants." not a monster. I am simply trying to LV5 with more purpose than it im-

21 22 sumptuous. Very palatial, Evelyn She smiled. “Aye aye, captain.” tor, the attendant pressing the ap- thought. “So why are we here, spe- propriate button. As the doors cifically?” *** closed, the Doctor could see Iris “Does there have to be an ulterior attempting to extricate herself from motive?” The Doctor seemed hurt. As he watched her go, the Doctor the suitcases and travelling bags, “I just thought it’d be nice for us to noticed the clerk leaning toward while mingling hotel staff made con- take a breather from our travels, him. “I don’t know if you’re aware, vincing efforts to help her, without PROLOGUE spend a few days in a rather grand sir,” he said quietly, “but there’s a… actually doing so. “I’ll ‘ave your hotel, and…” woman attempting to attract your flamin’ ‘eads f’this,” she bellowed, “Well, Evelyn. What do you think?” “And ingratiate yourself with the attention.” as the closing elevator doors Evelyn Smythe took in the splen- locals,” Evelyn finished for him. The Doctor was about to ask who, blocked out any further sounds. dour of the Galactica Hotel. “It’s “Honestly, Doctor. You’re like a big when he heard the unmistakable certainly very grand,” she agreed. kid sometimes.” voice some distance behind him. *** “Just refresh my memory – why are The Doctor grinned. “Well, it His face took on a pained look. “Is we here, on Earth, in the year doesn’t hurt to massage a few egos she wearing a shawl, with a volumi- In another part of the foyer, the ho- 2260?” once in a while.” nous frock and what might loosely tel manager was observing Iris’ non “To meet the eminent Professor be termed a hat?” -display of tact. “What on Earth is Edwin Graywell,” the Doctor re- They had arrived at the reception “I’m afraid so, sir.” she doing here?” he wondered. plied. “He’s very well known in his desk. The hotel clerk turned at the “Iris Wildthyme,” the Doctor sighed, Sighing, he quickly arranged for Iris field.” sound of the bell. “Yes sir?” without turning, “the bane of my to be escorted out of the hotel, be- “Which is?” “Ah, Maurice; you’re still here, life.” fore she could do any more dam- “Oh, didn’t I mention?” A shake of then?” The clerk sympathised. “We have a age. the head from Evelyn answered “Evidently, sir. It’s good to have you private elevator for use in such cir- “That woman is not to be allowed that question. “Well, he developed with us again.” Maurice smiled. cumstances, if you wish to avoid back inside this hotel,” he informed a process to eliminate the Scarg “Your usual rooms are ready for the lady, sir.” Maurice. Virus.” you.” He handed over their room “That would be very much appreci- Maurice was already checking the Evelyn glanced at him. “And that’s keys. ated, Maurice,” the Doctor replied register. “But, Miss Wildthyme is good, is it?” “Thank you so much.” The Doctor gratefully. “If only there were some one of our regular customers. She “Good? Good?” The Doctor stared hefted up a red travelling bag. kind of distraction…” has already booked her room.” amazed at her. “Evelyn, in your “While I’m staying in your wonderful The clerk looked around, and Cursing under his breath, and not time period, Scarg would be com- hotel, I wonder if you might put this smiled. “I think that can be ar- wishing to make a scene, the man- parable to the common cold.” in your safe.” ranged.” ager quickly arranged for Iris to be Evelyn was impressed. “So this “That shouldn’t be a problem, sir,” escorted back into the hotel, with Graywell chap is a doctor of some the clerk assured him, taking the Out of the corner of his eye, the no word of explanation. sort?” bag. Doctor could see a luggage at- “He used to be,” the Doctor told Evelyn was immediately suspi- tendant wheeling a trolley of lug- *** her. “Now he’s more of a philan- cious. “In all the time I’ve known gage past his line of vision. Then he thropist, really. As well as doing his you, you’ve never carried hand lug- saw the clerk give a discreet nod to Once Iris had recovered her com- bit to find a cure, Graywell provided gage of any description. What’s in the attendant. In the next moment posure and her dignity, she strode the money to allow the much need- that bag? And how often have you the sound of tumbling luggage up to the desk. “Excuse me luvvy, ed research to go ahead. Without been here?” could be heard, alongside the yelps but which room is the Doctor stay- that, your planet would be in a less “All in good time, Professor and protests of the lady in ques- ing in?” than healthy state. Now, let’s go Smythe,” the Doctor said mysteri- tion. The clerk shook his head. “I’m and check in, shall we?” ously. “Now, you go up and get set- Taking his cue from the clerk, the afraid I can’t divulge that infor- tled. I’ve one or two things to sort Doctor took advantage of the confu- mation, madam.” The interior of the hotel was just as out here first.” sion and hurried to the open eleva- “But we’re old friends,” she insisted,

23 24 about to look at the hotel register. Due to attend were various digni- make a scene, but she was none- “If I’m to get any sense out of you, “And we’ve got so much catching taries and luminaries, as well as theless feeling very relaxed. She yes,” the Doctor replied. “Now, drink up to do.” the aforementioned Professor held out her empty glass to the bar- this – or perhaps I should leave you The clerk quickly removed the reg- Graywell. “I must say, I’m looking man. “Put another one in there, to the not so tender mercies of the ister from the desk. “Be that as it forward to tonight. It’s been a long sweetheart, and Auntie Iris’ll tell you management.” may, this hotel has a reputation to time since I had an evening out like the story of her long and glorious Iris tried to sit up straight, with only uphold. And we do not give out this.” life.” limited success. “I am a guest here, guests’ accommodation details The Doctor smiled. “You will be Another hand reached out and took y’know.” without good reason.” treated like royalty, Evelyn. I can the glass from her. Outraged, she “Then behave like one, not like Iris would have pressed the issue promise you that.” turned – to find the Doctor staring some matelot gasping for a first further, but decided against it. “All “And no monsters?” she asked. balefully at her. “No more drinks, drink after months at sea.” The right then. Can I leave some stuff in He shook his head. “No monsters – Iris. I want to know why you’re Doctor liked Iris, though he was your safe, chuck?” apart from the one I almost ran into here.” loath to admit it. He just wished she The clerk sighed. “What sort of downstairs,” he said to himself. “Ah, you’re a lovely man, Doctor.” didn’t make such a spectacle of ‘stuff,’ madam?” She twirled her fingers around his herself. “Why can’t you behave with “Just a few knick-knacks.” Iris *** curly hair. “Don’t be such a killjoy.” some decorum, like these good grabbed a travelling bag from the “Iris, I mean it.” people here?” cases still being returned to the trol- The man in the sharp suit, who had Through her semi drunken stupor, “Because there’s one or two bad ley. “Jewellery mostly. Nothing fan- booked a room under the name of Iris caught the steel in the Doctor’s ‘uns here, that’s why.” Iris slurped cy.” Smith, locked the door to his room, eyes and let her mouth droop into a at her coffee. “That’s why I’m here, The clerk took the bag, giving it a opened his travelling bag and pout. “All right, Doctor. You win.” Doctor. I’m on a mission.” brief look that told Iris that he had smiled at the sight of the docu- He sighed, relieved. “That’s better.” “Iris, you’re in no fit state to be on recognised it as the same make, ments inside - top-secret dossiers “Just give us a kiss first,” she said, any sort of mission,” the Doctor design and colour as the Doctor’s. on various important people, which lunging toward him. sighed. “And who are these ‘bad “You can be assured that your per- had been painstakingly gathered ‘uns’ you’re referring to?” sonal luggage will be safe here.” over many months. It would soon *** Iris’ voice dropped to a whisper. Iris grinned. “Y’mean safe in the be time to make the information “That’s just it, I don’t know.” She safe? Oh, never mind,” she said. “I public; but not yet. There was still Unseen by any of the hotel staff, pushed her cup away. “I heard on was forgetting – humour isn’t a one more person he had to track the safe had been opened. Inside the grapevine about tonight’s recep- strong point around here.” She down. He hadn’t found him, but he were the three identical travelling tion, which, if I’m right, leads on to a flounced off, the clerk sighing as knew he was someone in this ho- bags – plus one extra; each with a meeting at some institute or other.” she went. tel. different coloured tag. In a matter of As she went in search of the bar, But Mr Smith was reluctant to moments the tags had been The Doctor couldn’t fault Iris’ infor- another guest entered the hotel. leave the bag in his room. To be swapped around. Whoever called to mation. “Professor Graywell is hold- His dark suit was well made, so effective, he needed to move reclaim their bag would undoubted- ing a meeting at the Furnham Insti- that there was no discernable bulge around freely, while ensuring that ly receive the wrong one. tute tomorrow, yes. What about it?” from his shoulder holster. He also the information accumulated so far “Well, that’s the trouble. I don’t carried a red travelling bag. could be left untouched. Returning *** know.” Iris seemed to be regaining the dossiers to the bag, Mr Smith control of her faculties. “I had a took the lift down to the foyer. After a few moments, Iris had lovely lad travelling with me for a 1. CHANGING TIMES calmed down, and was sitting quiet- while. Andy, his name was. Well, *** ly in a corner alcove of the bar, the when he left, he promised to let me By the time the Doctor had caught Doctor administering copious know if there was any trouble brew- up with Evelyn, she had unpacked; In the hotel bar, Iris was holding amounts of black coffee. “Urgh! Do ing that I might want to investigate. and was busy choosing what to court with anyone who would lis- you ’ave to?” she complained. He was a good lad, in that way.” wear for the reception that evening. ten. She hadn’t drunk enough to “And this Andy contacted you?”

25 26 “I only got a brief message,” she sort of a name is that?” Sorry for any inconvenience.” “You could say that.” The Doctor explained, “to get down here to “A name belonging to a very good “That’s quite all right, dear,” came brushed the question aside. “It’d planet Earth 2260, where some- friend of mine,” the Doctor replied. the reply. “But I thought you said take far too long to explain proper- thing bad was going to happen. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Iris, I your name was Claudia?” ly. But the point is, she’s certain Andy was going to meet me to ex- have to get ready for tonight. It’s a Iris thought fast. “Well, it’s Claudia- that something’s not quite right. plain everything, only he never 7.30pm start.” He caught Iris’ sad Natalie. One of those double- And despite her shortcomings, I’m turned up.” Tears began to well up face as he moved to leave. “I prom- barrelled names.” inclined to give her the benefit of as Iris pulled out a handkerchief to ise to keep my eyes peeled for any “I see.” There were no further ques- the doubt.” wipe away the tears. trouble, all right?” tions. “Well, thank you again. Good “And she wanted you to get her into The Doctor recognised genuine She looked up at him. “Thanks for bye.” tonight’s reception?” concern from Iris, and began to re- that at least, Doctor. You’re a good The telephone went dead, as Iris “She was quite insistent about it.” A alise why she had been drinking – ‘un.” finally relaxed. “By ‘eck, that were look passed between the Doctor to blot out a possible worse-case close. Now, with Miss Smythe out and Evelyn. “Why? What’s scenario. “You think something *** of the way, I just need to blag a tick- wrong?” might have happened to him?” et.” With a spring in her step, the Evelyn told him. Iris shrugged helplessly. “I only Iris watched him go, and sat back time travelling adventuress began wish I knew for certain. But it’s not in her seat, dejected. “If only I could to make plans. *** like young Andy to disappear like get into that reception hall tonight,” that.” she moaned. “Instead it’ll be the *** After her initial euphoria, Iris was Doctor and that Smythe woman – beginning to despair. The Doctor The Doctor shared Iris’ concern. unless…” An idea began to take Evelyn replaced the receiver had been correct, there were no Whenever the two of them met up, shape as Iris left her seat and hur- thoughtfully. It had been a very spare tickets left. She didn’t want to trouble was never very far away; ried out of the bar to the front desk. strange call, as if the person on the draw attention to herself by gate even if Iris wasn’t the cause of it. With the clerk absent, Iris grabbed other end were making it up as she crashing the event, but there Plus, Iris wasn’t the type to seek the hotel register, scanning its pag- went along. A knock at her door seemed no other option. sympathy through crying, and if es until she found Evelyn’s name broke her train of thought. “Evelyn? Then Iris came upon the notice there was something going on, it and room number. Then she picked Are you decent?” board, and one particular notice definitely needed investigating. “All up the desk telephone and dialled. She smiled. “Come in, Doctor. The relating to the reception. ‘All name right, Iris. Against my better judge- She heard the phone ring, then af- door isn’t locked.” badges for tonight’s reception are ment, I’ll believe you.” ter a moment, it was picked up and The door opened and the Doctor now ready for collection in the main “Oh, thanks, Doctor.” The tears all a woman’s voice answered. peered in, as if to make sure. On foyer,’ she read. “Now, that’s more but gone, Iris was now feeling more “Hello?” seeing Evelyn, he smiled and like it.” Iris headed back to where a composed. “Now, if you could get “Hello, Miss Smythe?” walked in. “Sorry I’ve been so long. table had been placed just a short me into that reception tonight…” “Yes. Who is this?” I had to look up an old acquaint- distance from the main desk. Iris “Oh, no.” The Doctor held up his Iris pinched her nose to alter her ance.” The Doctor quickly explained strode up, noting that the name hands. “That’s a ticket-only event. voice. “This is Claudia, one of the about his meeting with Iris, and why badges were already laid out on the And all tickets are taken. But after organisers for the reception tonight. she was staying at the hotel. table. all that you’ve told me, I’ll keep a I just wanted to let you know that “And is she reliable, this Iris?” Eve- A steward looked up and smiled as sharp eye out for any trouble.” the start time has had to be put lyn asked. “She sounds like the Iris approached. “What name, mad- “Oh, come on, Doctor,” Iris persist- back one hour, so things will be wayward sort to me.” am?” ed. “It’s not as if you’re with any- kicking off at 8.30 instead of 7.30.” “I suppose she is,” the Doctor re- “Evelyn Smythe,” Iris replied, with- one…” Evelyn seemed to accept this with- plied, smiling. “But her hearts are in out missing a beat. “As a matter of fact, I am,” the Doc- out question. “Oh. Well, thank you the right place.” “And may I see your invitation tor told her. “Her name is Evelyn very much for telling me, Miss…?” Evelyn picked up on this. “You said please?” Smythe.” “Wildth… Wildman,” Iris said quick- ‘hearts’ – plural. Is she a Time Lord Iris made a show of searching for it. Iris’ jaw dropped. “Evelyn? What ly. “Natalie Wildman, Miss Smythe. or something?” “Oh blast. I know I had it with me

27 28 when I left me room.” 2. RECEPTION COMMITTEE newspapers,” she said. pleasure on her face. “Oh, and The steward was apologetic but The Doctor smiled. “But this is there he is, talk of the devil. Doctor, firm. “Well, I can’t really issue these They met outside their respective much more fun. With actors, there I’ve just been telling these lovely without seeing an invitation. If you’d rooms. Evelyn had selected a pale are so many touchy egos floating people…” care to come back later…” blue trouser suit, topped off with a around.” “In a moment,” the Doctor interrupt- Iris had an inspired idea. “Oh, now I glittery scarf over her shoulders. “And that doesn’t apply here?” ed, steering her toward Zarchov remember. I gave mine to the Doc- The Doctor had, for once, changed “Perhaps,” he admitted. “But on a and Evelyn. “You see, Evie, Evelyn tor for safekeeping.” out of his usual attire and was now much smaller scale. Ah...” The and I were wondering where you’d “The Doctor?” This brought a smile wearing a black dinner suit with Doctor nodded ahead of them. got to.” of recognition. “Well, that’s different. matching bow tie. “Ready, Miss “There’s our host, Professor Gray- At the mention of Evelyn’s name, With the Doctor being an honoured Smythe?” well.” Iris’ face paled as she turned to guest, I don’t really see that there’s “Whenever you are, Doctor.” Smil- face her adopted namesake. any problem.” He handed Iris the ing, Evelyn linked her arm through At the sound of his name, a small “Erm… you made it then, Evelyn.” name badge. his, as they made their way to the rotund man turned. “Ah, Doctor.” She smiled at Graywell. “I did won- elevator. His Germanic accent was brusque, der if my elder sister would be fit *** but friendly. “I’ve just been hearing enough for tonight.” *** all about your adventures.” Evelyn almost spluttered into her The Doctor was pacing the floor, Returning Graywell’s handshake, drink. “Did she say…?” fuming at Iris’ attempt to trick Eve- Mr Smith had elected to dine in the the Doctor was puzzled. He was With Graywell listening in, Iris was lyn. “I might have known she’d try hotel restaurant. Seeing as he was known here, yes. But no one here forced to keep up the pretence. something like this.” being paid well for his work, he de- would be aware of his travels. “I’m “Well, she rarely gets out these Evelyn remained calm. “Well, cided that he might as well make not sure I follow.” days, the poor love. But I’m glad you’ve got to admire her nerve. And the most of the evening. He was Graywell laughed good-naturedly. you felt able to make the effort this anyway, there’s no harm done. I still about to order, when he saw some- “There is no need to be so modest. time. Feeling better, luvvy?” It was have my invitation card, so we one at a nearby table, watching Your friend Evie has been telling to both their credits that Iris’ hesi- should be fine.” him, and raising a glass of wine in everyone all about you.” Graywell tancy was barely noticeable, while The Doctor ceased his pacing, real- obvious recognition. indicated a woman whose back Evelyn just about managed to hold ising that Evelyn was absolutely Mr Smith completed his order. As was facing them, but appeared to her temper. right. “I suppose she can’t do any the waitress moved away, Smith’s be the centre of attention, regaling real harm,” he reasoned. “Even if view of the other table was ob- those in earshot about the Doctor’s Graywell was still curious. “But the she is so infuriating.” scured as she walked past. When exploits. name… Evelyn… Evie.” “Exactly. Now, I think we had better he looked again the table was emp- “Oh, there have been Evelyn’s get ready for tonight.” ty. The man had gone, leaving Mr “Oh, and that were a near thing, let passed down through the family,” The Doctor prepared to leave, but Smith unusually troubled. me tell you, luvvy. If the Doctor Iris replied. “Though I think Evie was doubtful. “Evelyn, are you sure hadn’t found the right antidote, with has a better ring to it, don’t you?” you still want to go through with *** help from me, of course, well, those Evelyn had had enough. “Elder sis- this?” poor little Imps would have had it. ter indeed. If you’re what I think you “Absolutely.” Evelyn showed him The chandeliers that hung from the No word of a lie.” are - Evie, then you’re not exactly out of her room, and caught his high ceiling were the first things to The Doctor looked at Evelyn. “What in the first flush of youth yourself.” arm. “If half of what you’ve told me catch Evelyn‘s eye as she and the was it you said, about her not caus- Iris’ smile faltered for a moment. about Iris Wildthyme is true, then Doctor entered the reception hall. ing any harm?” “You what?” we’re probably in for a lively even- As she had assumed, her invitation “I take it all back,” Evelyn replied. “Well, you know what they say ing.” card was accepted, and Evelyn was With Iris still in full flow, the Doctor about younger sisters,” Evelyn re- “I know,” the Doctor agreed. “And positively basking in the glory of the slowly stepped up behind her. marked. “They’ve usually been that’s what I’m afraid of.” occasion. “It’s like one of those film “Hello - Evie.” around the block a few times.” premieres one reads about in the Iris turned to face him, a look of Iris saw red. “You take that back!

29 30 You’re no spring chicken, you old turned to Iris. “I sincerely apologise he made his way back to his room, away, and he could see that Evelyn bag!” for my awful behaviour.” he tried again to picture the face of was feeling more like a wallflower “Well, that’s the pot calling the ket- The Doctor finally let out a breath. the man he’d seen. But the stranger as the evening went on. By the time tle black for a start,” Evelyn rallied. “Well, now that that’s out of the had been in shadow, and when the Doctor had managed to prise The Doctor, having stood on the way, I suppose we ought to make questioned, none of the staff could himself away from yet another sidelines all this time, at last our excuses and leave the recep- remember him. group of stuffed shirts, Evelyn was stepped in. “Ladies, ladies, please. tion.” When unexpected factors like this nowhere to be seen. This is not the time or place for “But, we can’t do that, Doctor,” Iris entered Mr Smith’s ordered world, family squabbles.” He put an arm pleaded. “Not after I managed to he didn’t like it. If it was something *** around each of them, steering them butter up old Graywell. I had him he could identify, then it could be away from the centre of the room. eating out of me hand before you dealt with. But it felt as if this “Well, that didn’t go too badly, did The Doctor briefly looked back to turned up.” stranger had the advantage, forcing it?” The reception had at last begun Professor Graywell, managing a “Yes, I’m curious about that,” said Mr Smith onto the defensive. If only to wind down, with the Doctor and weak smile. “Sorry about this. Sib- the Doctor. “Why did you go to he knew what he was defending Iris making their excuses before ling rivalry, you know.” such lengths to put me in such a himself against. leaving. Now, Iris was pouring the glowing light?” He shook his head, in an attempt to Doctor a welcome nightcap. “Here, The Doctor forced the two strug- Iris lowered her voice. “To get you put this to the back of his mind – for get that down you.” gling women into a quiet corner. invited to the Furnham Institute for now. Back in his room, Mr Smith “Hmm? Oh, thank you.” The Doctor “Out of all the devastation and car- tomorrow, that’s why.” placed the bag on the bed, and took the glass, but didn’t drink from nage I’ve seen,” he bellowed, “it “I’m not sure I understand,” said the opened it. He stared in shock and it. He was still in a sombre mood. pales into nothing compared to the Doctor. surprise at the contents. Where the When Evelyn had left without a disgraceful behaviour of you two “I think I do.” Evelyn studied the dossiers should have been, there word, the Doctor realised how ladies – and I use the term advised- various luminaries in attendance. was instead a selection of paste thoughtless he had been in not in- ly.” “This is a formal reception for all jewellery and other assorted para- cluding her in the numerous conver- Evelyn and Iris looked back at the the great and the good, but Profes- phernalia. sations that had peppered the Doctor, stunned into silence – for a sor Graywell strikes me as the sort This was not good. Without those evening. moment. “She started it,” Iris mut- of chap who would prefer to get to dossiers, Mr Smith was a dead tered. know people more socially. So, to- man. Somehow he had to retrieve Iris caught the faraway look. “She took my name badge,” Evelyn night’s get together is like a dress them. But how? “What’s up, Doc?” retorted rehearsal for tomorrow, where he The Doctor turned to her. “I let Eve- “She was casting aspersions about can choose who to invite.” *** lyn down.” me,” Iris bit back. “Got it in one, luvvy,” Iris grinned. Iris felt slightly guilty about exclud- “Enough!” The two women fell si- “Don’t forget, Doctor. My Andy said The rest of the reception proceeded ing Evelyn from the other guests, lent. “It doesn’t matter who started something bad was going to hap- without any further hiccups. The while putting the Doctor in the best it,” the Doctor insisted. “It ends pen, but he didn’t say where. So, if Doctor, Iris and Evelyn ingratiated light possible. She tried to gloss here, right now.” this isn’t the place…” themselves with various dignitaries over it. “Come on, Doctor,” she For the second time that day, Iris “Then it has to be the Institute,” the and personalities, telling stories of sighed. “Your Evelyn’s a grown had to apologise for her actions. Doctor finished for her. “Well, per- their recent travels. But as the woman. She can look after her- “I’m sorry, Doctor, Evelyn. It won’t haps we can butter up the Profes- evening progressed, it was the Doc- self.” happen again.” sor a bit more, eh ladies?” tor and Iris – or Evie, as she contin- The Doctor looked from Iris to the “It had better not. Evelyn?” ued to introduce herself, who were window. “That’s as maybe, but She stared at him. “You want me *** getting the most attention. The she’s a good friend. And I don’t like to…?” Doctor kept trying to include Evelyn to see her hurt, whatever the rea- The Doctor nodded. “You gave as It was a concerned Mr Smith who in the conversation, noticing that sons.” Then he looked at Iris, and good as you got, Miss Smythe.” had left the restaurant and collect- she was feeling more and more left realised. “You engineered this, Iris “Well, if you put it that way…” She ed his travel bag from reception. As out; but Iris kept dragging him Wildthyme.”

31 32 “I don’t know what you mean,” she was still fully clothed. His jacket The Doctor was in no mood for idle I suppose this is the bit where I said innocently. was draped over a chair. On the banter. “We have just under half an hand over the invitation and say ‘Off “You deliberately excluded Evelyn same chair Iris’ shawl had been hour to get to the institute. I’ll need you go, then. Have a good time.’” from most of the people we met left, and he knew that he was not my travelling bag.” The Doctor said nothing, as Evelyn tonight.” alone – Iris would never go any- “Right, luvvy,” Iris decided. “You get turned the envelope over in her Iris sat down and tried to explain. where without that shawl. yer bag, and I’ll run and sort some hands. “You really think I’m that “Look, tonight was all about you, transport.” shallow?” Doctor. I know Evelyn’s your best “Are y’decent?” She trilled, from the “Er, no.” The Doctor paused. “Iris, “No, Evelyn. Never shallow,” the mate and all, but as far as old bathroom. could you get my bag as well? I’ve Doctor replied. “Kind and under- Graywell was concerned, she was- The Doctor cleared his throat be- got to make some apologies first.” standing, but never shallow.” n’t the main draw. You were.” She fore answering. “Um, Iris? I have to Iris rolled her eyes in despair. “Off At this, she sighed, and handed pressed on. “Didn’t we make a suc- go. Things to do, you understand?” you go, then. I’ll see you outside in over the invite. “Well, I suppose Iris cess of tonight?” He stood up, reaching for his jack- ten minutes.” did do you a favour, getting you in- The Doctor shrugged. “I suppose et. vited in the first place.” She shooed so.” He half-smiled, sitting down “Oh, there’s no need to rush off.” him away good-naturedly. “Go on, next to her on the sofa. “It was a bit Iris strolled out from the bathroom – 3. MIND GAMES before I change my mind.” like old times, wasn’t it?” fully clothed, of course. “You’ll be The Doctor stepped forward and “Ay, you’re goin’ back a bit there, wanting some breakfast before you “Oh, the wanderer returns.” Evelyn kissed Evelyn’s hand in thanks. “I Doctor,” Iris warned. “Not that we dash off to old Graywell.” stood in the doorway of her room, promise, I will explain all of this – it didn’t have some good times.” This caught the Doctor mid-step. leaving the Doctor feeling rather just may take more time than usu- Outside, snow was falling. “Look at “Graywell? What do you mean, exposed in the corridor. al.” that,” the Doctor laughed. “Snow. Iris?” “Evelyn, I’m sorry,” he said. “I She watched him go and laughed. And it’s not even the right time of “Well, this invite.” She picked up an shouldn’t have left you on your own “More time than usual? Ha, that’ll year.” Just for a moment, the Doc- envelope from the table. “It came like that.” be a first.” tor felt he ought to be somewhere this morning, addressed to me. So I “Except that you did, Doctor.” Eve- else. Not here. Not in Iris’ room. reckon you got the same thing sent lyn was not going to let him off the *** But somewhere, music was play- to you.” hook so easily. “For almost the ing. The Doctor snatched the envelope whole evening that Iris woman mo- At about the same time as the Doc- “Look, Iris. This is very nice, but…” from her and opened the flap. The nopolised you to the exclusion of tor was making his apologies to invitation card was unmistakable. everyone else. What is it about her? Evelyn, Mr Smith was in the hotel *** “Professor Graywell kindly requests Just how well do you know her?” lobby, puzzling over recent the pleasure of your company at “It’s a long story,” said the Doctor. events. It was clear that his travel- It was morning when the Doctor the Furnham Institute…” he “But to cut to the chase, I think I ling bag had been switched for an woke. The last embers of the fire scanned the rest. “Iris, you did it! I may have got an invite to the identical one, but had no idea had burned out, and he was lying don’t know how, but you swung it Furnham Institute for 12.00 noon whose bag he now held. Weighing hunched up on the sofa, a blanket for me.” today.” up the possible options, Smith had draped over him. He felt rather Iris smiled. “Well, that’s not some- “Oh.” Evelyn held up an envelope in decided that the only course of ac- comfortable, and was about to thing I hear said to me every day.” front of the Doctor’s face. “That tion was to find a seat in the hotel snuggle back down, when he re- The Doctor looked again at the invi- wouldn’t be this invite, by any lobby from where he could observe membered the events of the previ- tation, and then at the wall clock. chance?” the reception desk. ous evening, and sat bolt upright, His expression changed from joy to “It most probably is,” the Doctor re- If the tag on his luggage had been his face white with shock. Had dismay. “Iris, this invite is for 12.00 plied, nodding. “I know I have no switched, then it seemed reasona- he…? noon. It’s almost 11.30am now.” right to ask, especially after the way ble to assume that the same had Glancing down, the Doctor was re- “Ooh ‘eck,” Iris realised. “I thought I I treated you last night, but…” He been done to other identical bags. lieved to see that, apart from his were doing you a favour, letting you left the question hanging in the air. How many, he could not be certain. bow tie having been loosened, he sleep in after last night.” Evelyn seemed unimpressed. “And But the luggage tag held Mr Smith’s

33 34 details – those he had elected to “I represent a third party who has There was even chocolate cake on when he opened it – and abruptly impart, indicating that the tags an interest in your current activities. the menu. closed it again. “Iris, this is the could only have been exchanged at He wants to, shall we say, cut a wrong bag.” the safe behind the reception desk. deal.” Evelyn smiled at the young man “What?” She pulled open the bag So, Mr Smith maintained his vigil, Mr Smith allowed himself a rare who had just arrived, and had sat at herself, and stared. “But that’s the waiting for someone to claim their smile. “Assuming I know what a nearby table. He returned the one I was given. What the ‘eck are bag. you’re talking about, I don’t make smile. She couldn’t recall having these?” She pulled out one of the That was when a crazy-looking deals – especially not with spotty seen him in the hotel before now, folders inside, the Doctor shielding woman, arms flailing wildly, had run amateurs like you. Besides, I have but he seemed harmless enough. the bag’s contents from general up to the reception desk. a work ethic which I always abide He’d be quite a catch for some view. “This is one of them Govern- by.” young girl, Evelyn thought, as she ment dossier things, isn’t it?” Once she had left, Smith ascer- “Which is?” took in his smart suit, and dark, “Yes, and more besides.” The Doc- tained from the desk clerk who the “I always keep my own counsel,” spiky hair. tor quickly thumbed through similar woman was; then took the lift back Smith replied. “The fewer people folders, his eyes alighting on one in up to his room to retrieve the bag involved, the better.” *** particular. “Well, well, well. Look at that he had been given in error – The man smiled. “Fair enough. But the name on this one, Iris.” only to find someone waiting for if you should change your mind…” The air car ride to the Institute was She did so, and caught her breath. him outside the door. “Mr Smith?” He handed Smith a business card, thankfully short. The Doctor “But that’s…” “I’m sorry,” he replied, “I’m in a hur- before making his exit. stepped out, travelling bag in hand, “Exactly.” The Doctor’s face was ry, so…” As Smith went to open Once the door was closed, Smith while Iris paid the fare. The Institute grim. “Iris, I rather think we’ve been the door a hand fell upon his wrist. read the wording on the card. ‘We was certainly an impressive build- taken for a ride.” The grip was firm and not easily can offer better deals – whatever ing, but there was no time to look at breakable without attracting undue your business. Contact Mr Jones.’ the architecture, as the two friends “All right, nobody move!” A worried attention. hurried in. Professor Graywell was hush fell over the room as every- Smith looked at the man properly *** waiting for them. “Doctor, Evie. I one looked up. From the upper bal- for the first time. He was younger thought you were never coming.” cony, Mr Smith was pointing a gun than Smith, with dark, spiky hair, Mr Jones walked down the corridor “Traffic,” the Doctor explained. This at Iris and the Doctor. He was also but dressed in the same type of suit to the elevator, as a voice spoke always seemed to work as an ex- holding a similar looking travel that he, Smith favoured. “Do I know into his mind. “You did well, but as I cuse for lateness, and this was no bag. you?” expected, Mr Smith is a stubborn exception. Graywell ushered them The Doctor moved across to Gray- “We have a common interest,” the man.”Mr Jones nodded, as he re- through. well, who looked as though he’d man told him. “It might be to your ceived further instructions. seen a ghost. “Friend of yours?” he advantage at least to hear me out.” The main hall, when they reached asked quietly. Smith briefly considered aiming a *** it, was already filled with other “Not exactly,” the professor replied. right hook to the man’s chin, but guests. Most were from the previ- “You could say our paths have thought better of it. He now recog- Evelyn had decided to take after- ous evenings’ reception, but others crossed.” nised him as the shadowy figure at noon tea in the summerhouse, were unknown; probably friends or “I thought that might have been the the restaurant from the evening be- which was clearly a recent addition associates of the good professor. case.” fore. Perhaps a few moments to the hotel. She was glad that “I’m afraid I have to ask you to Mr Smith impatiently waved his gun wouldn’t hurt. And he already knew some things, such as tea being begin your presentation in a few at the Doctor. “Hand the bag over.” the crazy woman’s destination. served in a china pot, were still in minutes,” he informed them. “My The Doctor shook his head. “I’m “Alright; you have two minutes.” existence even in 2260. So, let the timetable is so full that I have to set not sure I can do that.” The man smiled, allowing Smith to Doctor have his fun, she had decid- everything to the exact second.” “Don’t be smart with me,” Mr Smith enter his room, and followed him ed. It made a nice change to be “I quite understand.” The Doctor demanded. in. waited on, instead of battling power moved to a nearby table and un- “I’m not, I promise you,” the Doctor -mad conspirators and the like. zipped the bag. Iris was beside him said. “But if we’re down here, and

35 36 you’re up there, how do I pass the “No!” Another voice invaded his ment agent. I was assigned to track bag to you?” “He must be under some sort of brain. “I have not finished with you down several people, all with a con- Mr Smith was about to reply, when mind control,” the Doctor whis- yet. You have one more task to nection to the Furnham Institute. I he realised what the Doctor meant. pered. “That would explain why you perform.” didn’t know that Graywell was the There was no physical way that the never heard from him again.” He “One more task,” Andy mumbled. man I was after, though.” bag could be passed up to him. turned back to the young man. “It’s “No, I can’t.” “That’s the trouble with Government “Hmm, you do have a point. So, Andy, isn’t it?” “You must!” agencies,” the Doctor sighed. “No what do you suggest?” There was a brief flicker of recogni- “I…” Andy’s mind was in turmoil. one ever gets the complete picture. “Well, if I’m not mistaken,” the Doc- tion, but nothing more. “My name is He so wanted to be free. But he Probably simpler that way.” tor replied, “you seem to have a Jones, and I think you have some- had to complete this one final task. “He is lying,” Graywell protested. “I similar bag. Suppose we do a sim- thing of interest to me in that travel “I… must obey.” do not know that man.” ple trade? Then no one gets hurt, bag, Doctor.” “No, Andy.” The Doctor’s voice “But you admitted to recognising and we can both go on our way.” “No, I don’t think so,” the Doctor again. “This isn’t you. Find the real him earlier,” the Doctor pointed out. Smith nodded. “That makes sense. told him. “But how did you know my you.” “You said your paths had crossed Okay, you come up here with that name? I’m sure we’ve never met The Doctor saw Andy spin round, before.” bag. Then it’s just the two of us.” before.” his eyes wild, the gun raised. Graywell said nothing, trapped in “Agreed.” The Doctor turned to the “And what makes you so sure you “Leave me alone! Get out of my his own words. crowded room. “I think we all want want the Doctor’s bag, Andy luv?” mind!” His finger pulled on the trig- “Tell me, Mr Smith, how did you to get out of this alive, so let’s just Iris asked. “Why not his?” She indi- ger. know Professor Graywell previous- do as the gentleman says.” cated Smith. “Andy, no!” ly?” Nobody disagreed. Jones saw the bag Smith held – The gun fired… “While I was investigating a case of “All right,” he called. “I’m coming then looked back to the Doctor, alleged money laundering,” Smith up.” confused. “What’s going on?” replied. “When he was a practising “You tell me – Andy.” 4. REVELATIONS medical doctor, Graywell was ac- “Nobody move!” A group of people cused of skimming profits from his moved away from the main door, *** The guests shrank back, as Andy practice into his own pocket. That’s as Mr Jones stepped forward, a collapsed to the floor in a dead how he made his fortune.” travel bag in one hand, and a gun The Doctor’s smile was innocent faint. With the immediate danger “But he was never convicted?” in the other. “Well, isn’t this nice enough, but the young man could passed, Iris quickly rushed to the Smith shrugged. “Not enough evi- and cosy?” feel the eyes bore into him. Try as boy’s aid. Beside them, Professor dence. It was all circumstantial, so “Oh, no.” Iris stared at the young he might, he could not look away. Graywell lay on the floor, the bullet the case was dropped.” man. “It can’t be.” What was going on? And who was from Andy’s gun having imbedded “So, what has brought you here to- “You again!” Smith called from the he? He was Mr Jones. No, he was itself in his shoulder. The Doctor day?” the Doctor asked. “You said balcony. “Don’t you ever give up?” Andy. No, he… “I… Iris?” examined him briefly. “You’ll live, you weren’t sure it was Graywell Mr Jones looked up in surprise, “Yes luvvy, it’s me,” he heard her Professor,” he concluded, you were after.” then back to the Doctor. “What’s answer as if from a distance. “You “assuming you have no other skel- “That’s the odd thing about this,” Mr going on here?” were going to meet me, remem- etons in your cupboard.” Smith replied. “I was told I had one “You tell me,” he replied. “I haven’t ber?” “I’m not sure I understand, Doctor,” more person to locate, but not who the faintest idea.” Yes, yes he did remember. But why the professor gasped. it was; just that I would supposedly Iris tugged urgently at the Doctor’s was everything so strange in his “Oh, I think you do.” The Doctor’s find out today. To be honest, I only sleeve. “Doctor, that’s Andy.” mind? He couldn’t think straight. tone was dismissive. He looked up came here to retrieve some im- “Andy?” Then he remembered. Then he heard the Doctor’s voice. at the man still on the Upper Balco- portant documents.” He nodded to “Your Andy?” “Let your mind relax, Andy. Let it be ny. “I assume you and the profes- the travel bag the Doctor had She nodded. “I couldn’t mistake freed from the constraints placed sor have met before?” opened. that spiky hair. But this… this isn’t around it. Be yourself.” Yes, the “Something like that,” he replied. The Doctor nodded, understanding. like him at all.” Doctor was right. “My name’s Smith. I’m a Govern- He turned to Iris. “You said that

37 38 Andy knew something bad was at the fallen Andy. “The boy proved will suffer.” They all froze. the common cold, I shall take my about to happen, but didn’t know to be a useful asset, once he was rightful place as their ruler and ben- what; while our Mr Smith was sent under my control." The Doctor raised his hands in an efactor.” on something of a wild goose The Doctor nodded. "Using him to effort to calm the situation. “All right, “He can’t be serious,” Evelyn pro- chase, with no idea of whom he get to the Professor?" Master. You’ve succeeded in bring- tested. was after.” "Under my mental guidance, he ing us all here. But, for what? I can’t “I’m afraid he is,” the Doctor told “It’s an odd one, that’s for sure.” Iris would have persuaded the Profes- imagine what help Professor Gray- her. “Think about it. The majority of was tending to Andy as best as she sor to part with the information I well could be to you, in your usual planets in the universe have never could, but she had followed the needed." The Master smiled evily. plans for universal domination.” experienced the common cold, and whole conversation. “But there "With the right tutoring, he could be “I can guess.” Graywell had pulled so would have little or no re- must be some sort of connection.” very persuasive. A pity you man- himself to his feet. “He’s after the sistance. Imagine what would hap- The Doctor paced the floor, frus- aged to break through his condi- virus.” pen if the Scarg Virus were re- trated. “It’s as if we’ve all been tioning, Doctor.” “What virus?” Then the Doctor real- leased. Powerful empires would brought here for someone else’s "It was either that, or let his mind be ised. “Of course. The Scarg Virus.” become weak and lethargic, unable benefit.” broken." The Doctor looked down The Master smiled. “For every cure, to defend themselves against pos- “Well done, Doctor. So, you finally at Andy. "At least he's free from there is a virus. And once I have its sible invasion. The Master’s ulti- worked it out at last.” your influence." formula in my possession, I shall mate goal is still the same. He’s just Everyone turned, the Doctor recog- Iris glared up at the Master, steel in add numerous manufacturing scaled down the means necessary nising that voice. “Oh no. Not you!” her eyes. “You did this to my poor agents that will enable the Scarg to achieve it.” “I’m afraid so.” Standing inside the Andy? You must be sick.” Virus to spread across the known The Doctor looked around at his hall was a bearded man dressed in “Watch your tongue, or you’ll get cosmos.” fellow guests – all unsure of what black. In one hand was a weapon the same,” the Master warned, at "The formula is kept here at the In- was happening, but clearly terrified the Doctor recognised all too well. the same time grabbing Evelyn stitute," Graywell explained. "And by the dramatic turn of events. And the Tissue Compression Elimi- around the neck with his arm and some of the guests here are my “There are innocent people here,” nator was trained on Evelyn, who forcing her to drop the travel bag. fellow scientists. Between them, he reminded the Master. “They held the remaining travel bag. “Besides, I’m sure the Doctor has they discovered the cure for the have no part in your schemes. Let “Well, this is quite a gathering,” the no wish to see any harm come to Scarg Virus. I only provided the them go.” Master gloated. this fair lady.” means for the research." “I could do that,” the Master agreed. “Thanks for the compliment,” Eve- “And today was intended as a cele- “But I so rarely have the chance to “And just what are you doing lyn muttered. bration for all that hard work.” The play to an audience, Doctor. And it here?” The Doctor realised the an- Iris would not be placated. “Why did Doctor shook his head. That was is only right that they should be the swer before he had finished asking you ‘ave to mess with this lad’s par for the course with philanthro- first to see the culmination of my the question. “You arranged this. head? He’d done nothing to you.” pists like Graywell - happy to take plans.” The whole thing.” “True, but he began to piece to- the credit for other peoples’ work. The Master nodded. “From the re- gether certain things,” the Master *** ception through to today’s events. It explained. “He made the connec- He turned back to the Master. “And was all very simple.” tion with the reception and this In- how the mighty are fallen. Not so She was kneeling down beside The Doctor let the Master continue. stitute. I could have eliminated him, long ago, you were dealing in Thun- Andy; stroking his head; willing him He had no wish to endanger Eve- but instead I gave him a new identi- derbolt missiles, and the Pharos to wake up, to give her some sign lyn’s life, and there might be some- ty.” Project. Now, you’ve lowered your of recognition; but at the same time, thing worth learning from the Mas- “Returning as the mysterious Mr ambitions to scrabbling around with Iris Wildthyme glared at the Master ter’s ravings. “You see, for the past Jones,” the Doctor guessed. a virus.” with barely disguised hatred. She few weeks I’ve been the Manager “Quite so, Doctor.” The other “But it will be a most effective virus,” had heard stories of his exploits, of the Galactic Hotel. I regret the guests began milling around in mild the Master explained. “Once the but to have seen the results of his former manager met with an unfor- panic, distracting the Master. “Stay peoples of the Universe have been handiwork filled her with an all- tunate accident.” He looked down where you are, all of you. Or you incapacitated by a lethal variant of consuming desire for revenge. This

39 40 had now become personal, and the Evelyn felt the abrupt pull of the on the floor. Iris’ scratches had made sure to take possession of gloves were off. Iris was determined Master’s arm against her throat. turned into full-blown punches, the Master’s travel bag. “His TAR- that when the chance came, how- “Keep still, Miss Smythe.” each one winding the Master at DIS,” he explained to the presiding ever slight; she would make the “Oh, I’ve had enough of this,” she every turn. Gradually though, he officer. Master pay. bellowed, and stamped her foot began to gain the upper hand, pull- down hard onto his. There was a ing himself out of her reach. Her There were only a handful of people *** gasp of pain, and immediately the next two punches went wild, and he left in the Institute by the time a se- Master’s grip slackened. Evelyn easily caught her wrists in his pow- curity skimmer arrived to collect the From the Upper Balcony, Mr Smith flung herself forward, out of his erful hands. Now the Master had Master, who was escorted away in listened to this exchange of words reach. “Now!” sufficient leverage to push Iris away the company of two law enforce- with morbid interest. Since the arri- In one fluid movement, Mr Smith until she was facing his lower body. ment officers. Still doubled up in val of this Master person, Smith be- tossed the travelling bag down from “Give it up, you old hag,” he said obvious pain, it was unlikely that he gan to appreciate that he was a the balcony onto the Master. mockingly. “You are powerless would be able to cause any trouble. small part of something much big- Thrown to the floor by the weight of against me.” As the sliding door closed on his ger. If only he could turn that to his the bag, any attempt by the Master “Don’t be too sure, pal,” said Iris, mortal enemy, the Doctor could advantage. Then he saw her - the to regain his footing was quickly her eyes lighting up. “I said I’d have have sworn that the Master was woman the Master was holding as a foiled by Iris, who threw herself on a piece of you, and I always keep speaking at least four octaves high- hostage was trying to attract his top of him with a vengeful scream, my promises.” She looked down. er than usual. attention. scratching and clawing at his face. Directly in front of her face was a clear target. Evelyn and Iris stood either side of *** Under normal circumstances, the The Master, realising her intention, the Doctor, as the skimmer sped off Master would have been the strong- struggled violently, but to no effect. to the nearest maximum security Evelyn knew better than to struggle er opponent. But Iris’ fury at him Manipulating her arms, Iris had prison. “So, that was the Master,” against the Master’s vice-like grip. had given her the greater strength managed to entwine her own hands Evelyn said. “He hardly seems The young man she knew as Mr and advantage. Each time he made around the Master’s wrists, holding worth worrying about.” Jones had brought her to him. She to push her aside, she threw herself them in an iron grip. He glared at “Aye,” Iris agreed. “And over such a had never before met the Master, back at him with renewed vigour. her, helpless in her grasp, but still little thing.” and so had thought nothing of it; not To the Master, it must have been defiant. “You wouldn’t dare!” Iris was now back to her old self, until the moment when he had like fighting a wild banshee. “Let go “Oh, wouldn’t I, chuck?” It was as if cheered by the welcome news that threatened her life. And now she of me, you stupid harridan,” he the Master’s last words of bravado Andy would soon recover from his was here at the Furnham Institute, shouted. were an open invitation. Iris opened ordeal. She resolved to look after with the Doctor helpless to inter- “Not flamin’ likely,” Iris screamed. her mouth wide, her teeth bared. him once he was discharged from vene. “Not until I’ve ‘ad a piece of you Evelyn winced at what happened hospital – it was the least she could She had seen the man perched on first.” next, as the Doctor mentally do, she decided, after the lad had the Upper Balcony when they had crossed his legs. got into so much trouble. arrived. And she saw him now, al- The Doctor was helping Evelyn to most as helpless as the Doctor with her feet. “Shouldn’t we think about *** Mr Smith had joined them. “So, this the travelling bag next to him. Eve- pulling them apart?” she asked. reception, and that business with lyn stared up at him, desperate to When the local police arrived, the the travel bags, was all a huge catch his eye without drawing atten- “We could think about it, but I don’t Doctor was quick to advise them of smokescreen for the Master to get tion to herself. When she saw him think it would be advisable to try,” just how dangerous the Master his hands on the Scarg Virus.” nod, she looked from him to the bag the Doctor replied. “The mood Iris is was. There was also the long “Succinctly put, Mr Smith,” the Doc- and back again. Twice more she in, I wouldn’t give much for the drawn out process of taking state- tor observed. “The Master wanted did this before she could see that Master’s chances.” ments from the rest of Graywell’s the virus for his own ends, but it he had understood. guests before they were free to seems he had no clear opportunity The two of them were still struggling leave. Above all else, the Doctor to pin down Professor Graywell

41 42 over its properties. So, he dis- lieve you. It’s the only explanation Iris eyed Evelyn suspiciously. “That’s as maybe, Doctor,” Mr guised himself as the manager of that makes sense. But there’s still “Meaning?” Smith agreed, “but…” the Galactica Hotel, and used that the problem of Professor Graywell.” “Well,” Evelyn suggested, “from “And since those times,” the Doctor position to arrange last night’s re- The professor was still receiving what I gather, you and he go back went on, “it could be argued that he ception.” medical attention from a member of a long way, so…” has more than made up for his pre- Evelyn was still puzzled. “I can the ambulance crew. Iris sighed. “Nothing happened, vious misdemeanours by putting a see how he would have used The Doctor seemed genuinely puz- Evelyn.” substantial amount of money into some hypnotic suggestion to con- zled. “Problem? I don’t see any “Oh.” Evelyn was both surprised finding a cure for the Scarg Virus. vince Graywell that the reception problem.” and relieved. “But I thought he’d…” In fact,” he added, “it could be said was his idea, but I still don’t un- “Doctor, he’s a known criminal.” “Oh, he stayed the night,” Iris con- that because of his generosity, Pro- derstand about the travel bags.” “Technically, yes.” The Doctor took firmed. “And spent the whole of that fessor Graywell has made a valued “That was the really clever part,” Mr Smith to one side. “Look, per- night on the sofa. The Doctor’s nev- contribution to the well-being of this the Doctor explained. “The Master haps we can find some common er been a great one for alcohol, and community.” needed to get us all in one place, ground here…” one glass of wine was enough to “So, what do you suggest?” Mr so by switching the tags he en- send ‘im off into dreamland.” There Smith protested. “That we let him sured that each would follow the Evelyn and Iris found themselves was a regretful sigh. “Story of my go?” other to retrieve their own travel alone together. With the earlier fric- life.” “Well, as far as I can see,” the Doc- bags, as you did yourself, Mr tion between them still fresh in their “I see.” Evelyn gave Iris a sidelong tor pointed out, “he isn’t actually Smith.” minds, neither was willing to be the glance. “Does he know that… noth- wanted for any crime. Remember, it “But how come they were all the first to break the ice. Not that Iris ing happened?” was the Master’s machinations that same design and colour?” Iris could stay silent for very long. “Well, I never told him outright, brought you here in the first place. pressed. “Erm… you all right, luvvy? No luvvy. I’ve got a reputation to main- You and Graywell were pawns in a “Who says they were?” The Doc- bones broken?” tain, after all.” game, just like the rest of us.” tor smiled. “Iris, what colour is “Oh, I’m tougher than I look,” Eve- Evelyn smiled. “Well, in that case, Try as he might, Mr Smith could your travel bag?” lyn replied. “But thanks for asking.” Iris, I won’t breathe a word.” She find no fault in the Doctor’s argu- She stared at him. “Blue, of “My pleasure.” met Iris’ stare. “It’ll make a change ment, nor raise any further objec- course.” She looked at the bag Mr “I must say,” Evelyn said after a for us to know something that the tions. “You know, Doctor, you ought Smith had picked up. “That’s it moment, “I thought you were very Doctor doesn’t.” to try your luck in politics, if your there.” brave, tackling the Master the way Iris gaped at her in shock and sur- current line of work ever dries up.” you did.” prise. “Evelyn Smythe! You conniv- The Doctor quickly dismissed the “And yet,” the Doctor told them, Iris shrugged. “He deserved it, after ing little… y’know, this could be the idea. “I tried that once. Didn’t like “Andy came in with a brown one.” what he did to poor Andy.” beginning of a beautiful friendship.” it.” “Hold on,” Mr Smith piped up. “My “That poor boy.” Evelyn’s thoughts travel bag is green.” went out to the young man. “But I’m *** “While mine is red, just like the sure he’ll be back on his feet before EPILOGUE Master’s. Except that your eyes you know it.” The Doctor didn’t like the way that perceived the colour as that of “Aye, I suppose so.” Iris managed a Evelyn and Iris were staring at him. Two days later, and the Doctor and your own travel bag.” The Doctor smile of appreciation. “You’re not And the fact that they both ap- Evelyn were ready to check out of looked at their baffled faces. so bad yerself, in a crisis.” peared to be getting on like a the Galactica Hotel. After all the “Don’t you see? It was another Evelyn smiled back. “You just have house on fire. With an effort, he excitement, the Doctor was deter- hypnotic suggestion by the Mas- to do the right thing at the right mo- turned back to the task in hand. “Mr mined that they should extend their ter. Whatever one of them was in ment.” She hesitated before asking Smith, I don’t deny that Professor stay, and take full advantage of the your possession at any time, you the question that had been at the Graywell may have been the cause facilities on offer. Iris had been pre- still saw the same colour as your back of her mind. “I heard from the of some troubles in the past, but occupied over Andy’s state of own travel bag.” hotel staff that the Doctor’s bed he’s hardly a major threat to the health, and had spent most days “Okay,” Mr Smith agreed. “I’ll be- hadn’t been slept in last night.” national crime figures.” and nights at the hospital, until she

43 44 was sure he would be all right. serious undertaking, and…” “Well, the Master’s bag was his “Oh, stop fussing, Doctor,” Evelyn TARDIS, Iris’ contained her jewel- “She may be a bit wayward,” said hushed him. “Iris is more than capa- lery, Mr Smith got his Government the Doctor, “but underneath it all, ble of looking after things. Honestly, papers back, and Andy’s bag…” Iris is a decent person.” you ought to learn to be more trust- “Was a decoy, with nothing in it,” “Oh, I don’t deny it,” Evelyn agreed. ing.” the Doctor finished for her. “So This volume, the latest in Big Fin- “In fact, we’ve been getting on ra- “Trusting??” he spluttered. “Well, of what’s the problem?” ish’s ongoing series about the Time ther well just lately.” all the…” The Doctor was becoming Evelyn looked at him directly. “Well, War features three further stories. “Yes, I noticed.” Evelyn could feel increasingly flustered. I still don’t know what was in your the Doctor’s eyes upon her. “I don’t The two women stared at him. “Do travel bag. I don’t suppose you’d suppose she said anything, did you know, I’ve never seen the Doc- care to enlighten me, Doctor?” she?” tor go that red before, Iris.” The Doctor was about to reply, until “About what?” “Maybe he’s embarrassed about his attention was drawn elsewhere. “Well, you know.” The Doctor could- something.” Iris turned to Evelyn “Well, I never noticed that before.” n’t seem to find the right words. and gave her a farewell hug. “Look “Noticed what?” “Anything I should, um, know after yourself, Evelyn,” she said. “How well these skimmers are con- about?” “And make sure the Doctor doesn’t structed,” he answered. “A simple Evelyn gave him a suspicious look. get into any more trouble.” design, but very effective.” “Guilty conscience, Doctor?” They She gave the Doctor a knowing Evelyn knew what he was up to. were at the front desk before the wink, at which he visibly paled. “Doctor, you’re changing the sub- Doctor could form a suitable ri- “And don’t worry about the Galacti- ject.” poste. “Could we have our bill ca, Doctor. I’ll not let you down.” He stared back at her, his face a please, Maurice?” “Good luck, Iris.” Evelyn waited. picture of innocence. “Am I?” And “State of Bliss” by Matt Fitton, is a Maurice smiled at them both. “The “Come on, Doctor. Wish her well.” with that, the Doctor sat back with a great showcase for Rakhee bill has already been settled – by The Doctor knew when he was be- contented grin on his face. Thakrar as Bliss. The story estab- Ms Wildthyme.” ing steered into a corner, and lishes the themes that will carry The Doctor and Evelyn shared a backed down. “Of course I wish you *** throughout the whole box set. It al- glance. “But, how…?” well, Iris – just don’t make any dras- so gives Thakrar and The Sarah “Oh, you didn’t think I could let you tic changes. I’ve become rather at- Iris gave the Doctor and Evelyn a Jane Adventures alumna Anjli Moh- pay, after all that’s happened?” tached to this place.” final cheery wave as the skimmer indra some good scenes to per- They turned to see Iris approach- “I s’pose that’s the nearest I’ll get to moved off. Already she was toying form. Having said that, alt- ing, a beaming smile on her face, undying praise from you, Doctor.” with one or two ideas to improve hough Anjili Mohindra is one of my arms ready to embrace the two She ushered them out into the cool the Galactica Hotel. Nothing too favourite actors in the series, friends. “Didn’t Maurice tell you?” morning air, where a skimmer was drastic, as the Doctor had said; just her turn here as Calla only goes to “Tell us what?” the Doctor warily waiting for them. “Now, get off, both some minor tweaks here and show how well defined and charac- asked. “Iris, what are you up to of you. I’ve got a hotel to run.” there. terised Rani was in The Sarah Jane now?” Adventures. In comparison, Calla is “Well, with the post of manager be- *** She turned on her heel and not as memorable. ing left vacant,” Iris began, “I marched back into the hotel. thought I’d try me hand at running Inside the skimmer, Evelyn had a “Maurice,” she called. “Break out “The Famished Lands” by Lisa this place - until they get someone puzzled look about her, which the the champagne, luvvy. I’m McMullin, is an apocalyptic Harry- in on a permanent basis, of Doctor recognised. “All right, Eve- parched.” hausen homage that encapsulates course.” lyn. What’s the matter?” everything the Time War is, and There was a look of horror on the “I’m just a bit curious,” she replied. everything that The Doctor strug- Doctor’s face. “Iris, tell me you’re “It’s about those travel bags.” gles to remain. It is the most unusu- joking. Running a hotel like this is a “Oh?” al glimpse we’ve had of the Time

45 46 War yet. It delves into worlds san calls in a favour. Peter Crocker and SVS have pro- that are suffering because of the vided the picture restoration and war, where starving people are The final story in this volume is “The Mark Ayres the sound. Both have massacred. Yet the tone is some- War Valeyard” by John Dorney. done a great job and these four- what jovial. It is not a good fit for me Jayston delivers a superb perfor- teen episodes have never looked and I found this to be the weakest mance that perfectly meshes classic better. However, the real treasures of the stories in the set. and modern Doctor Who. The Vale- are the extended edits of the sto- yard has always aspired to be a ver- This is the first of the blu-ray Collec- ries presented alongside the broad- sion of the Doctor, but this takes on tion sets that is for a season I actu- cast versions. The new edits are a wholly more resonant tone here ally saw on first broadcast. As such, made with deleted scenes and al- as we are presented with a version I have been looking forward to it a ternative takes. Some are more of The Valeyard who truly believes great deal, and it has not disap- interesting than others, but overall that this is who he is. pointed. their inclusion makes me wish that the BBC had given the show the ‘The War Valeyard’ succeeds on extra few minutes that some epi- every level. It is an excellent exam- sodes needed. All the additional ple of Big Finish story-telling and material improves the episodes means that I can heartily recom- overall. mend the box set with a solid 8/10. The Terror of the Vervoids Special To hear the trailer at Big Finish, Edition is a thing of wonder. It is a “Fugitive in Time” by Roland Moore, click here new version of the story presented brilliantly places Adèle Anderson in stand-alone format, without the front and centre as the latest incar- To buy the CD box set or the down- Trial segments. It is much better for nation of Tamasan (previously load from Big Finish, click here it and also features a new version played by Nikki Amuka-Bird). An- of the Colin Baker title sequence. derson’s brief for the part is clearly To buy the CD box set from Ama- to fill the void left by the late zon UK click here Of course, we all buy these box Jacqueline Pearce who played the sets for the extras. My favourite Time Lord Ollistra in previous vol- feature from each of the releases umes, which she does ably. The so far has been ‘Behind the Sofa‘. story also highlights the skills of In this set Colin Baker is joined by Wendy Craig in a role viscerally Nicola Bryant and Bonnie Langford. embodying the pain of the Time On the second sofa are Frazer War. The Time War saga has thus Lee Binding has delivered another Hines, Matthew Waterhouse and far brilliantly highlighted how far tremendous cover with the further Mark Strickson. I particularly liked they have deviated from their non- interior artwork being of scenes Mark’s perspective as he tends interventionist policies and the from the series. Furthermore, the to comment with more of a Direc- sense of moral superiority that image on the spine of the set tor’s eye these days. simply monitoring events afforded matches the front cover exactly – them. In ‘Fugitive in Time,’ Roland the first time this has happened. I Another favourite on this box set for Moore shows the darkest extremes am not sure what’s prompted this me is ‘The Doctor’s Table’. Colin of Time Lord power, and the Doctor change, but I am quite happy with Baker, Nicola Bryant, Bonnie Lang- and Bliss must confront the be- it. Peter Crocker and SVS handle ford and Michael Jayston, go out lieved final remnant of that ultimate the picture restorations, with Mark for lunch (at The Ivy nonethe- travesty of justice as Major Tama- Ayres on sound. less) and talk over the meal about

47 48 Quirkiness aside this is a good, in- to cover, the passing of Colin’s formative interview, as it should be child, his dealings with The Sun with the show’s lead actor. Baker tabloid, and his defence of Bonnie has a lot of love for the show - even Langford, but if I tell you every- given his shoddy treatment at the thing, what would be the point of hands of the Beeb - and it’s great to you watching the DVD? hear him talk about the choice of Another day, another anthology making the Doctor seem unpleas- So, on to the next interview and the collection of Myth Makers inter- ant and the viewers unsure of him redoubtable Nicola Bryant, aka views. Time to set aside six hours and how, if he had been given more Perpugillium Brown. Even after all for the latest in Reeltime’s ‘The time, the plan was to explore this this time, and even though you Doctors’ series: The Colin Baker abrasive aspect of the Time Lord’s know it’s coming, it’s still a surprise Years. Ah, the much-maligned character. when instead of a nasally American Colin Baker years. I always felt sor- accent you hear a rather posh Eng- ry for Colin. He never really had a All of this comes across as very im- lish voice plum pleasantly at you. fair crack of the whip, and if his portant to Baker, who talks about work with Big Finish is anything to his intent to honour the tradition of Interviewed again by Briggs, and go by, that was a wasted oppor- Who, not just as an actor but also a mixed in with another Myth Makers the season, with some questions tunity. A seemingly terrible costume fan. And Baker is clearly a fan - interview with Bryant from 11 years from TARDIS cookies jars thrown in choice may not have helped – alt- we’ve all heard his story about be- prior, we follow the usual pattern as well. This was a great feature hough, if you think about it, it was ing glued, unmoving, to the stair- with a conversation about the ac- that I hope they include on future essentially fitting for such a loud, case as the very episode played out tor’s origins in the business before volumes. brash, in-your-face Doctor – but in 1963, but in this interview we al- moving on to Who more specifical- really it was decisions made at the so hear him talk about using his ly. It’s fun to hear her talk about There are plenty of other new fea- top of the BBC that really made life knowledge of the show to point out getting the acting bug at an early tures on the set including a new difficult for the 6th. Colin’s ignomini- continuity errors to different writers age and trying to balance that de- interview by Matthew Sweet with ous booting from the show is now and directors to keep the canon sol- sire with the requirements of Bonnie Langford and a very tounge the stuff of Who history - Whostory, id. school, especially the story about -in-cheek revisiting of ‘The Doctor if you will - and this collection of the deal Bryant makes with her Who Cook Book’ hosted by Toby interviews, thankfully, does not shy Of course, it would be impossible to head teacher to keep going with Hadoke. Also included are all the away from that aspect of Colin’s talk to Colin Baker without bringing her extra-curricular thespianising. features from the previous DVD tenure. up his departure from the show, as I release. mentioned above, and it’s cool to But of course, it’s her time on Doc- The collection begins with the man hear Six approach the subject with tor Who that we’re all here for and These blu-ray sets are proving very himself, in another of those quirkily honesty and maturity (which his ap- there’s plenty of great stuff availa- popular and if you have not yet got filmed interviews that are a hall- proach to the interview as a whole, ble on the DVD for the anecdote- a copy, it might be best to snap one mark of Reeltime’s one-to-ones, to be honest). He talks about the hungry Whovian. Her stint on Time- up sooner rather than later. with Nicholas Briggs and Baker sense of hurt and betrayal, obvious- lash (tied to a pole and left to chatting to one another while a ly, but even though the passing of scream) sounds like a hoot, and You can view the specially record- strange shadowy figure manipu- time has helped it’s still upsetting to there’s also her take on how the ed trailer for the box set here lates their presence in time and hear him say he can no longer character of Peri should have space - and Briggs’ wardrobe for watch the show - although that will been, which is probably a com- To purchase from Amazon UK click some inexplicable reason. I could have changed since the time of the plaint of many a female compan- here tell you who voices this mysterious interview and now. ion. If were up to Bryant, Peri figure, but it’ll be much more fun for would have been a lot feistier and you to guess. There is a hell of a lot more ground much more of a fighter rather than

49 50 a sort of whiny, grumpy presence better under the auspices of Big whole bunch of stuff covering Time Baker’s final season-long arc, The on the TARDIS, especially with a Finish. and the Rani. Seriously, Langford Trial of A Time Lord, plus various grumpy Doctor also galumphing delivers! appearances on Big Finish audio. through the cloisters - although we One of the nicest things about this Given the references made to Nu hear about how that relationship part of the DVD is that Langford is Especially interesting are Lang- Who this is obviously another of balance improves by the final sea- interviewed by fellow TARDIS trav- ford’s thoughts on the character of Reeltime’s more recent outings. son, following the hiatus. eller Sophie Aldred (Ace) and the Mel. She talks about the way char- rapport between them really makes acters such as hers are now treated Interviewed by Robert Dick (a We also get another installment of this a really friendly experience, a by Big Finish, about having the very friendly interview) and inter- the regular Reeltime segment Doc- sense only bolstered by Aldred room to develop, as well as pointing spersed with clips from a conven- tor Who Digest, with Bryant provid- bringing out two personalised t- out that during her tenure on the tion panel featuring Jayston, Colin ing a quick memory of every story shirts they can wear together at show, the highly intelligent comput- Baker and Nicola Bryant, this is an- featuring Peri. These are always conventions, with Langford then er programmer and expert never other tried-and-tested ‘origins-to- enjoyable and something fans can suggesting they should wear each touched anything tech! I actually Who’ Myth Makers conversation ask each other about over a bottle other’s instead for fun. Thus, the had to stop and think about that. It’s piece. of wine. conversational flow is much more amazing. There’s no way the show organic than in those earli- could get away with something like After we hear about Jayston’s ra- All the bases are covered in this er interviews which are sometimes - that these days. Thankfully. ther sporty early life (captain of this, interview: we get to hear about sometimes, I stress - stilted by captain of that) and forays into the- those controversial costume choic- Nicholas Brigg’s desire for gim- We also get some nice insight into atre, we get to the good bits. That’s es, and Bryant’s take on ‘the death micky play. how Colin Baker loved the show probably a bit mean. I think it’s fair of Doctor Who’ is also very interest- and was sad it wasn’t getting sup- and good that all these actors and ing. You can see how much she So, like I said, Langford is basically port it deserved, and also her final writers and directors get to talk feels for Colin Baker and it’s easy to an anecdote machine about all her scene with McCoy in the TARDIS. about their careers as a whole, it see why she still enjoys such a pos- time on Who, how it was to work And she is very matter-of-fact about shows proper respect, but I can’t itive reaction from fans. with different actors and directors her departure from the show. Simp- help find it sometimes a bit boring. and her recall for specifics is pretty ly put, her contract was up and she Give or take the odd surprising an- And rightly so. impressive - it almost makes you hadn’t even considered staying on ecdote, they tend to all sound very wonder if she shares Mel’s eidetic for another season; she even had samey. It doesn’t stop you listening Our next Baker Years star is the memory. Highlights of these anec- another job already lined up. You of course, but in a sense it’s not eternally bouncy Bonnie Langford, dotes include being allowed to wear get the impression that Langford is really what you paid the admission aka Melanie Bush. This is clearly a heels, much to Janet Fielding’s an- very much the jobbing profession- fee for. much later interview than most you noyance (JNT wouldn’t hear of it al. see on these Reeltime anthologies, during her time, although it was re- That said, Jayston does have a which is nice because it’s good to ally just to make Langford a bit tall- That said, she’s obviously stoked pretty cool Who-related story that know you can still talk to someone er); getting the giggles with Honor by her time on the show and being has nothing to do with his time on from the classic years today and Blackman on Vervoids; watching part of a cultural phenomenon, and the show but rather his time as an get lots of stories. And Langford Richard Briers get comedy notes, or so enjoys her time on the conven- actor making his way up, and that is does have a LOT of stories. She’s freezing in a swimming pool while tion circuit too. I have to say, I really his friendship with some chap you basically an anecdote machine crew in nice warm wetsuits floated enjoyed this interview. To sum it up, may have heard of called Tom when it comes to her time on Who nearby on Paradise Towers; a fun Langford is a delight. Baker. and as an actual person a great little story about a fractious relation- many fans will find her a lot more ship between Sylvester McCoy and Next up we have Michael Jayston, As for his stint on Trial, so as to likeable than her character Mel a motorbike during Delta; being who played the sinister Valeyard, speak, Jayston tells us how he (which people often - unfairly - able to wear the exact same dress the personification of the Doctor’s thinks he had much better things to blame her for), who has fared much as the 6-yr-old in Dragonfire; plus a dark side made flesh, during Colin say than poor old Colin, as well as

51 52 mentioning how he and her sagaci- see Tom Baker rehearse. When his pursed lips when recalling scription of the origins of Richard ty Linda Bellingham discussed asked about his relationship with JNT’s reaction to the idea of Robert Mace from The Visitation. All I’ll say “something big going on” with the Tom, JNT is as diplomatic as ever. Holmes or Terrance Dicks penning on the subject is this, his meeting BBC in terms of their plans for Doc- Yes, his constant suggestion mak- The Five Doctors speak volumes. with the fifth Doctor was not the tor Who. ing could be a pain, but, says JNT, But maybe that’s just as well. Why character’s debut appearance. this is because Tom cared so get bogged down in all of that when There’s a lot of enjoyable stuff in much. there are other things to talk about? All in all, this was another pleasant this interview, including a rather This interview is about Eric and his six hours of chit-chat, perhaps less naughty ‘scoop’ about his time on As far as the other Baker is con- work and all the better for it. He intimate than other collections, but Press Gang as well as some intri- cerned, JNT describes being comes across as a pretty self- still chock-full of details and ephem- guing hints about Paul McGann and shocked and angry at Colin’s de- deprecating guy and he’s also a era and intriguing insights from peo- Holby City. But what really shines parture from the show, something very open and honest interviewee, ple we know so well, but not so well through is Jayston’s love for being he still felt at the time of the inter- unafraid of giving his opinions, we can’t learn something new about involved with Who. He loves the view. But this is how it goes, JNT which can be both funny and some- them. It earns it’s place on the conventions, which he describes as was staff and had no choice. Life as times nudging on harsh. You see shelf. being like a great big family, and a producer was not always easy. this particularly in the Doctor Who tells us that, alongside cricket, Doc- He talks of the difficulty of the job in Digest segment, where he sums up tor Who is one of the two things he terms of budgets, of making the his thoughts and feelings on all the has most enjoyed in life. mistake of letting composer Dudley Who serials he was involved with, Simpson go over lunch, and of al- sometimes in just one succinct Which sounds about right to me. ways expecting to leave the show word. but it never actually happening. The penultimate interview is with Obviously, it’s his role as script edi- Who big-hitter, JNT himself. John Not that it was all negative; he has tor for which he is most well known Nathan-Turner! Interviewed by fond recollections of working on in Who circles. According to Eric, Briggs, with the usual extraneous The Five Doctors, and his thoughts he liked being a script editor be- visually playful nonsense, the pair on casting for new Doctors, and the cause he liked meeting writers, alt- of them look like they’re off to a importance of contrast, are also in- hough perhaps not so much re- convention of bag suits. teresting to hear. working their scripts, which he manages to talk about with some JNT has been around on Who in For all of that, though, considering tact, but of course that was a lot of one capacity or another for a long his place in the history of Doctor the job. time, so not only does he have a lot Who, I didn’t find this interview par- of interesting things to say about his ticularly enlightening. Perhaps inter- There are some interesting obser- time as showrunner but he also has views with JNT are always like this, vations about the cancellation of some nice memories to share about but you get the feeling he’s always Doctor Who and how during Trial his early days on serials featuring holding something back, keeping nobody knew what was going on, the second and third Doctors. the personal in check in service to as well as the transition from the To purchase this DVD from Ama- the show. fifth Doctor to the sixth - plus a cou- zon UK click here Of course, it’s his run as the pro- ple of gems regarding Colin ducer during the 80s which is of key The final interview is with writer and Baker’s knowledge of the English To purchase the DVD directly from interest here. Though he doesn’t script editor Eric Saward. Surpris- language. Also, his take on main- Time Travel TV click here remember his first day behind the ingly the interview steers clear of taining a connection to the Who desk, as it were, he does talk about the sometimes fraught nature be- world following his departure is hi- the day he found out he was to be- tween Saward and JNT, except for larious. But most interesting of all, come the producer and going to the odd reference here and there - for me anyway, is Saward’s de-

53 54 Baker resplendent in his new cos- Before reaching the end, the TAR- of the ‘Logopolis’ sets for instance. tume for Season 18. Beneath the DIS navigates the planet of Tigella Aside from that, this is the best cover is an image of the Fourth and takes a detour through E- these episodes have ever looked Doctor from ‘The Leisure Hive’. In- space. ‘Meglos’ follows in the same and sounded, making for a thor- side the TARDIS is a depiction of vein as ‘The Leisure Hive’ with col- oughly enjoyable watch. the scene from ‘Logopolis’. Those ourful characters a plenty. The trip wonderful TARDIS interior menus into E-space takes us back to sim- Special Features The demand for classic Doctor Who continue with Gavin Rymill also rec- pler Doctor Who storytelling. The in high definition continues unabat- reating those scenes from Tom Marshmen rise from the water in Season 18 is perhaps an odd ed with Doctor Who: The Collection Baker’s swansong. Again, Peter ‘Full Circle’ like Sea Devils had be- choice for the next release in The – Season 18. Following the sell-out Crocker and SVS have restored the fore. Terrance Dicks spins a classi- Collection series. The DVD releas- successes of Season 12 and Sea- pictures to deliver high def quality, cally chilling vampire tale in ‘State es were comprehensive in terms of son 19 comes the end of an era; whilst Mark Ayres has polished up of Decay’ whilst the surreal special features, leaving these sto- the finale of the Fourth Doctor. With the sound. With such a flawless ‘Warrior’s Gate’ concludes the trilo- ries very well served and little need the dawning of a new decade, 1980 product it is little wonder these box- gy. for new material. However, some proved to be a time of great change sets are so sort after by fans and excellent additions have added to for Doctor Who both in front of and collectors. Producer John Nathan Turner be- the already existing material. The behind the camera. All of this is ex- gan his courting of the fans by most notable inclusion is a brand- plored in a packed boxset that The Stories bringing back the Master in 'The new making of documentary cover- chronicles one of the momentous Keeper of Traken'. It also began ing ‘Logopolis’. Over the course of seasons in the history of the show. Incoming Producer John Nathan- another trilogy that would introduce its near hour-long runtime Janet Turner and Script Editor Christo- two new companions alongside Fielding reveals the tension of the pher H Bidmead were determined Adric. All of this was in preparation production. Fielding does however to move Doctor Who away from the for Tom Baker’s regeneration which remain tactful in withholding specif- silliness which had become ram- occurs in ‘Logopolis’. That story arc ic details of what made the experi- pant under their predecessors Gra- is of course concluded with Peter ence so uncomfortable for those ham Williams and Douglas Adams. Davison’s debut in the already re- involved. Instead of a formal on- Stories for Season 18 would also leased ‘Castrovalva’. A focus on camera interview, Matthew Sweet see a bigger emphasis on the sci- plausible scientific theory became acts as moderator for two entertain- ence being added to the fiction. The the motif for the season finale ing new audio commentaries for difference from the final broadcast ‘Logopolis’ written by Bidmead him- ‘The Leisure Hive’ with Tom Baker, story of Season 17 ‘The Horns of self. This release sees new CGI and ‘State of Decay’ with Lalla Nimon’ to Season 18’s ‘The Leisure effects available for that closing sto- Ward and Rachel Davies (Camilla). Hive’ is bold and drastic. Following ry. A brief shot shows the Fourth In particular, the conversation with a starry new title sequence and a re Doctor plummeting to Earth from the show’s leading man draws out -imagined theme tune from Peter the radio telescope for the first time some fascinating insight from Tom Howell came that tortuously long ever! It is a fleeting moment, and an Baker, recalling emotions specifi- pan across Brighton beach. One odd thing to be a highlight, but it is cally despite not recognising fellow step forward, two steps back? But a welcome addition. actors quite as accurately. after the blandness of the British seaside was born a colourful new Season 18 comprises an intriguing The simplistic Gogglebox-style for- Once again, the physical boxset is era. The vibrant planet of Argolis run of stories all of which are pre- mat returns with Behind the Sofa. a delight to hold, if a little fiddly and Tom Baker's new costume sented in pristine picture and sound Frustratingly the monsters in the when you’re trying to remove the symbolise Doctor Who jumping quality. High definition brings out background are once again only discs. Lee Binding continues with headfirst into the Eighties. the rich colours in ‘The Leisure images rather than full props as the established layout for the cover Hive’ but exposes the shabbiness were seen on the Season 12 box- artwork which showcases Tom

55 56 ences. Finding oneself in the mid- amount of detail before. K9 and Overall dle of the stony atmosphere gener- Company also gets an appropriate- ated by the disquiet between Tom ly individual Behind the Sofa instal- Unsurprisingly, this latest release Baker and Lalla Ward would’ve ment. Accompanying voice of K9 for Doctor Who: The Collection is been difficult for anyone, let alone John Leeson to revisit this story another triumph, continuing the high someone just breaking into the act- are Gillian Martell (Lily Gregson) standard of the previous two releas- ing industry. Ever the natural pre- and Sean Chapman (Peter es. Despite these stories already senter, Toby Hadoke delves deep- Tracey). Appropriately the greatly being well served by DVD bonus er into a side of the Adric actor missed Elisabeth Sladen proves a features, the new additions on this which hasn’t been uncovered previ- topic of conversation. Unexpected- release make it well worth the in- ously. Following some intriguing ly however, comparisons with vestment. Presenting the definitive opinions and emotional recollec- Hammer Horror films and long versions, in terms of picture and tions, the viewer is provided a scenes being more familiar of a sound quality, of this eventful sea- much better appreciation for the theatre production help the viewer son of Doctor Who makes for an man behind the television charac- see the episode in a new light, no essential purchase. Plus, the hours ter. matter how many times you’ve and hours of interviews, documen- watched ‘K9 and Company’ over taries and other bonus features you As is traditional, photo galleries, the years. The trio of actors there- certainly won’t want to have missed PDF production paperwork and fore offer a pleasingly insightful out on this set. set. Imagine if the BBC hadn’t sold even more fascinating behind the viewpoint on the show, casting and off a Foamasi, Marshman and Gun- scenes footage is provided, giving production, making for a story dan robot in 2010 and they could’ve the viewer plenty to keep them en- worth revisiting accompanied Melkur to be posi- tertained for hours and hours. tioned behind the sofa. Neverthe- Perhaps my favourite new piece of less, Tom Baker, John Leeson and K9 and Company material also features on this disc. costume designer June Hudson sat The Writers Room unites four of together discussing Doctor Who is Also included on the eighth and Season 18’s writers, Christopher H a delight to watch. Meanwhile, final disc of the set is ‘K9 and Com- Bidmead, John Flanagan, Andrew Wendy Padbury joins fellow com- pany’. Although this quirky and Smith and Stephen Gallagher, in a panions Sarah Sutton and Janet unique pilot failed to generate pub and talk Doctor Who over a Fielding on the sofa to discuss the enough interest for a full spinoff few pints. Although a relatively sim- show from a companion’s perspec- series for Sarah Jane Smith and K9 plistic set up, one no doubt familiar tive. They are an odd trio to watch to go into production, it remains a to most of us, it makes for a great ‘The Leisure Hive’ together for in- thoroughly entertaining oddity. In- watch. Discussion and critiques of stance but there’s some amusing cluded on this disc is a new inter- 'Meglos' and 'Warrior's Gate' prove leg pulling which can’t help but view with Ian Sears, appropriately to be particularly honest. Similarly, make the viewer smile. titled Brendan and Company. It al- Andrew Smith's recollections of his so features an amusing variation of 'Full Circle' commission are enjoya- Another new feature is Weekend the K9 and Company title se- ble stories to hear. Unexpectedly, with Waterhouse which sees Toby quence! As Sears now resides in JNT's attitude towards a female Hadoke visit Matthew Waterhouse the USA his is a voice which hasn’t Doctor is brought up. Oh, what who played the divisive new com- been heard a lot. The inclusion of he’d make of the show now! Hope- To view the trailer for the box set panion Adric introduced in ‘Full Cir- his interview therefore provides a fully this will be a recurring feature click here cle’. A young actor at the time of his fresh perspective into the produc- as it works particularly well for Sea- At the time of publication the box casting, the now adult Waterhouse tion of this one-off special which son 18 and could be similarly effec- set is selling for premium prices. is open and frank about his experi- itself hasn’t been covered in a huge tive on other releases. Click here to view at Amazon UK

57 58 had far reaching consequences. used to smooth out some of the With the loss of Roger Delgado rougher edges, though detail ap- during that year (in a tragic car pears to be slightly better intact, crash), Katy moving on, the pro- and its usage really helps the pic- duction team began sowing the ture. Source defects remain intact. seeds for their own departure, but we can still look back at season 10 Frontier in Space “That's exactly it. That's where we as the Pertwee era at its very fin- are - on a stable world in a universe est. The DVD for this release was pretty of antimatter; an anomaly within an good and the Blu-ray upgrade isn’t impossibility.” The Three Doctors that significant; the increased reso- lution does define edges much bet- The normal behind the scenes tur- Even though the DVD had a ter, and the colours are far more moil that usually accompanies the ‘Revisitations’ release, the Blu-ray robust and vivid, especially the making of Doctor Who was unusu- upgrade is immediate and obvious. greens, while the black level does ally absent for season 10. Due to The increase in resolution gives give an increase in depth. Source the money saving compromise much keener edges throughout, issues still remain and there is no made in 1970 to keep the Doctor smoothing aliasing and adding unruly DNR, so the picture tops any exiled to Earth, a serendipitous de- some frame depth also. Colours previous release. cision that helped form a close-knit ing, have a credible threat and are bolder, richer and grade much family, a company, if you will, com- move the mythos along, The Three better. Inherent in the source, lens Planet of the Daleks prising of UNIT, the companion and Doctors did all this and more, creat- flares and softness are reduced, the Doctor – thus the actors be- ing an onscreen rivalry between but still there. One thing I did no- Released at the same time, the came close friends, the production Doctor’s 2 and 3 that was so univer- tice, especially during the filmed work done to this DVD was excel- team knew where the series was sally enjoyable that it carried on into sequences, is the presence of lent and much can be said about heading, and that sense of belong- the convention circuit. DNR helped to smooth out some of the Blu-ray upgrade, which has ing transferred onto the screen, cul- the rougher edges, it’s quite obvi- keener edges, far more saturation minating in the five stories that The season also saw the return of ous, on paused scenes, though to the colours (jungle sets especial- make up the season. the Master and the Doctor’s favour- this doesn’t reflect real world ly) and a deeper black level. Epi- ite bad guys, the Daleks, in what watching. Detail is ever so slightly sode 3 was re-colourised since it Calling on established writers and amounts to a 12-part episode, even lost due to this, but overall, the was only retained in the BBC ar- feeling that the Earth-bound stories though it was split into two stories. benefit outweighs this very slight chives as black and white, this pro- were exhausted, producer Barry Story one, in fact, had the Draconi- loss. Studio bound material ap- cess worked well, but it still looks a Letts and script editor Terrance ans, Jon Pertwee’s favourite pears unaffected. bit off – flesh tones are a bit brown, Dicks made waves to move the se- ‘monsters’ due to the masks that reds are a bit skewed – but this was ries back into the space adventure allowed the actors to portray more Carnival of Monsters always the case. Overall, the image it had previously become. To do emotions. The final story, based on is a decent enough step up in terms this they entertained an idea long Letts’ own environmental feelings is This DVD was also the recipient of of quality. been touted but flatly refused, to let a bona fide classic and fondly re- a ‘Revisitiations’ release, and once the Doctor meet himself. This be- membered by all; indeed there are again the added resolution and col- came the season opener and the those that never knew the ‘classic our depth in the Blu-ray add signifi- The Green Death unofficial tenth anniversary story – series’ and still know this story! Per- cantly to the image; bringing out radical for the time but looking back haps more widely remembered more detail, better edging and This DVD was also the recipient of so clearly an obvious decision. It amongst fans as Katy Manning’s greater depth. Colours are slightly a ‘special edition’ later release, but did everything a good Doctor Who last story, a wonderfully poignant more vibrant, and black levels are even so, the Blu-ray picture is a story should: be entertaining, rivet- moment, heartbreakingly lovely that increased. DNR has also been clear upgrade in terms of resolution

59 60 and colour reproduction. Edges are er with more colour depth and an the 90 minutes flew by and it was much keener from close up to dis- improved black level image, even if over before I knew it. tance, colours are far richer while there has been some liberal usage black levels are increased adding of DNR on some of the episodes; The Olympic Studios provided an some decent frame depth. Like the the benefit outweighs the negligible interesting venue for the interview first two discs in this set, this image detail loss. The sound tracks are and feature a very nice cinema has had a liberal dose of DNR, and functional and clear, with ’Planet of which you can view online at / while it does smooth off a lot of the the Daleks’ gaining a Dolby Digital This edition of Myth Makers clocks www.olympiccinema.co.uk. I shall rougher edges (the filming in 5.1 upgrade, itself with good sepa- in at just over 90 minutes and it’s all endeavour to visit there sometime South Wales for example) it is at a ration, dynamics and bass. gold. I have no idea how they are in the future. very slight loss of detail. This is on- going to edit it to 60 minutes for the ly really evident on paused sections The extras package is, again, im- Paul McGann years compilation. Extra wise, there is a little docu- and flicking between the two imag- mense with plenty of new content mentary coving the dalek world rec- es and then only on skin texture. I sitting alongside the features ported I found this programme to be abso- ord attempt by the Sons of Skaro at realise I am nit-picking to a degree, over from the DVDs. There are a lutely riveting, hearing all about the recent ‘The Gathering’ conven- because overall the image is a few extras that were on previous Geoffrey Sax’s early career in thea- tion. This was very good, but sadly clear improvement over previous DVD releases missing this time tre and how he made the transition also very short. I’d love for a proper releases. around, including the ‘On Target’ to TV. The details he gives about behind the scenes documentary of feature about Ian Marter, so holding working in the TV industry and how a convention. Maybe another Verdict on the DVDs for those might be ad- important the unions were are fas- time? visable for completists. cinating. There are several interest- Season 10 of Doctor Who is fondly ing sections where Mr Sax de- This is a great interview and well remembered, and it is easy to see scribes how he had to embellish on worth the price. why. The UNIT ‘family’ made nec- a few things in order to pursue his essary by financial constraints in career, I won’t tell you what they 1970, proved to be a winning com- are you will need to watch to find bination, allowing the production out. team to flourish, culminating in a period of stability that the show sel- When he goes through all the dom entertained. The stories, by things he has done, you realise some of the best writers the series how small a part of his career Doc- had ever known, were strong, the tor Who was, He seems very fond feeling of belonging was plain to of the TV movie and explains that see, and this allowed the whole he has nearly returned to Doctor season to thrive. Though there Who on a couple of occasions, but were tragedies off screen (the timing has yet to work out death of Roger Delgado) and heart- (doubtless a critical timing malfunc- break on it (Jo leaving), it remains tion took place!). I for one would one of the best loved and most en- like to see him still get a chance to joyed whole seasons of the series return to Direct some more epi- run. To view the specially recorded trail- sodes in the future. er click here To purchase the DVD or buy/rent As a Blu-ray set, this complete sea- Robert Dick is comfortable as an as a download, visit Time Travel TV son package is, once again, very At the time of publication the box interviewer and keeps the conver- by clicking here impressive. All the episodes benefit set is selling for premium prices. sation flowing, so well in fact that from a cleaner, more stable, sharp- Click here to view at Amazon UK

61 62 discussion - if 1996 Doctor Who had taken off could an American actor have played the Doctor? Gene Wilder, Christopher Lloyd or Dick Van Dyke perhaps?

We decided that Doctor Who suc- As a fan of McGann’s Doctor I was Right from the opening introduction ceeds for two main reasons: extremely looking forward to this Eric Roberts and his wife Eliza are The viewing of Logopolis at Regal release. I’ve not seen a lot of stuff a joy to watch. Eric is interviewed City North 14 – was a great night 1. When done well, the main with him talking about Doctor Who. by his wife Eliza, and is obviously for Whovians. Specifically – Chica- protagonist solves complex In fact the last thing I saw was well at ease. I love his cheeky goDoctorWhoMeetup. Gordon problems with reason, logic around the time that the TV movie sense of humour which comes Dymowshi, who has been running and ‘cleverness’ was made. It was called ‘Bidding across in droves. The topics of dis- ChicagoDoctorWhoMeetup for sev- 2. The show is for everyone. Adieu’ and focused more on Syl- cussion range from his early days in en years is the leader and organizer There is no specific market for vester McCoy - so this was going theatre to recent film and TV pro- with Elizabeth Wade; the social me- Doctor Who. Any ethnicity, to be ‘all new’ for me. jects. Of course, Doctor Who is dis- dia coordinator. cussed in some detail, including Sophie Aldred once again proves Eric’s experiences on set, returning Before viewing Logopolis, the group herself a capable interviewer and to the role of The Master for Big met at a restaurant called ‘Fat Wil- it’s nice to see Paul McGann seem- Finish, and his school days in the lys’ and discussed many things in- ing so relaxed. It was nice to hear UK where he was first exposed to cluding Doctor Who – what we’d details of his childhood and the Doctor Who. Eric has a huge cata- like to see in the future, who our struggles of getting an equity card logue of acting roles to discuss, and favourite companions are, the usual back in the day. all the big things like Heroes, The stuff. Expendables, The Dark Knight are Paul still comes across as a shy covered. Since Doctor Who, is a very long individual and it’s good to hear how running show – our members are age and gender can enjoy it his opinion on conventions evolved. Eric talks with great warmth about from a wide age range from 20 up-

wards. Some of us that dined at Fat Sadly, for me there wasn’t a deep his time on Doctor Who, (in which Even if Chicago is too far away you dive into his Big Finish adventures, his wife also had a part) and his Willys grew up with watching Tom can still follow us on Twitter although they are briefly talked subsequent convention experienc- Baker on PBS during the 1970’s in @WhoMeetup and visit us at about, I would have loved for this to es, and I really hope we get to see America. Some others had not YouTube. Just click the links! have gone into greater detail, as him at some events in the UK seen Tom Baker and still others like that’s where most of his 8th Doctor soon. me, had only seen him because of work is. The TV movie and Night of the streaming service Brit Box. Un- the Doctor are also spoken about This edition of Myth Makers is a fortunately for American fans there but again, not enough detail for ‘must have’ - keep an eye out for was a decline in Doctor Who’s pop- me. the Roberts family scene stealing ularity after Tom Baker’s run and cats! most PBS stations stopped airing To round up, this was a nice inter- the show. For many Doctor Who view, but for me only touched the To purchase the DVD or buy/rent would not be seen again on Ameri- surface of what could have been. the download, visit Time Travel TV can televisions until 1996 when by clicking here Paul McGann arrived. To purchase the DVD or buy/rent the download, visit Time Travel TV That led to an interesting topic of by clicking here

63 64 play Doctor Who, from 1966-69) as Paper' is a strong production within later in his career he would direct Victor Marsden, a former trade un- the famous (and for some, much the Suffragette drama 'Shoulder To ion boss who is dying from leukae- missed) ‘Play For Today’ pro- Shoulder' (1974, produced by Veri- mia, although he has kept this news gramme strand, although it is ty Lambert, the first producer of from his wife, Sonia (Elizabeth marked by the production style of Doctor Who), examine the abdica- Spriggs). Victor confides the truth in the time (there is a voice-over deliv- tion of Edward VIII in 'Edward And his friend Maurice (Richard Pasco), ered by Pasco which often tells the Mrs Simpson' (1978), and the AIDS With an extensive directorial career a middle-class university professor audience exactly what we are see- drama 'Intimate Contact' (1987) beginning in 1960, Waris Hussein in the history of art, and shares with ing and thus seems to a more mod- which was one of the first television has directed several acclaimed and him letters written and sent by ern audience somewhat redun- dramas to highlight that AIDS did award-winning television and film Sonia to Victor which express her dant). not affect only homosexuals In ad- productions and is perhaps best feelings about their relationship and dition to his work on television, known for being the first director to their courtship and early marriage in Following the screening, Charlton there was also discussion of his work on Doctor Who in 1963 on its ways she feels unable to vocalise to and Hussein sat down for the first work in film from his first feature, 'A first serial, An Unearthly Child. As him in person. While bound by the interview, where Hussein was able Touch Of Love' (1969) – which part of the celebrations to mark the formal style of BBC dramas up until to reflect on 'Love Letters On Blue starred fellow Cambridge alumnus first anniversary of the opening of the mid-1980s, whereby exterior Paper', this being the first time he Ian McKellen, the musical Liverpool’s VideOdyssey – a VHS shots were captured on film inserts had seen it since its transmission in 'Melody' (1971), 'Henry VIII And His rental store (yes, in this age of and the interior scenes shot on mul- 1976. Charlton proved to be a very Six Wives' (1972), and the TV mov- streaming, somebody has opened ti-camera video (meaning shots had well-researched and patient inter- ie of Barry Manilow’s musical a video rental store) which also to be planned in advance and ac- viewer and gave Hussein the time 'Copacabana' (1985), which earned houses arcade games and an im- tors thoroughly rehearsed so they to answer his questions and provide Hussein an Emmy award (although, pressive studio space – Room knew where they were moving to on anecdotes about his career. Speak- with typical grace, Hussein said he 5064 Productions hosted the latest set), this does not restrict Hussein’s ing of the work he did on the felt the choreographer, Grover in its series of ‘Audience With…’ direction and contains an astonish- Wednesday Play/Play For Today Dale, should have been given the events of Doctor Who alumni ing scene where Maurice enters the series, Hussein did say that he was award instead). (previous events have included the living room of the Marsden’s home proud of the work he had done and director Graeme Harper and script and the camera pans 360-degrees how privileged he felt to be able to The event then moved into its sec- editor of the series from 1982-86, around it. work with such strong, talented ac- ond, more Doctor Who orientated Eric Saward) in VideOdyssey’s stu- tors as Troughton and others. While half, with a screening of the 2013 dio space which had three working Troughton sports a convincing saying he was proud of his work, drama, 'An Adventure In Space cameras stationed in it to add to Yorkshire accent throughout and Hussein did not come across as And Time', which focused on the that TV studio vibe befitting the delivers a powerhouse performance someone subject to hubris but as a genesis of Doctor Who in 1963 up subject of the event. as Victor goes through the five humble person who was very aware to the departure of the show’s first stages of grief as he faces the end of their fortune in life giving them lead actor William Hartnell in 1966. The host for the event was Matt of his life. Spriggs, meanwhile, por- such an opportunity – and as the For this, Hussein provided a live Charlton who introduced the first trays Sonia as a tough, no- first Indian director to work at the commentary which was available to item of the day – a special screen- nonsense wife who disapproves of BBC, Hussein was a trailblazer. stream via the Twitch website and ing (made possible with the help of the members of the union who Discussing the often ‘issue’ led ba- app and provided some interesting the BFI) of a ‘Play For Today’ from ‘drain’ Victor’s spirit but whose ini- sis of the ‘Play For Today’ dramas, anecdotes – especially on how con- 1976 which Hussein directed called tially stony appearance belies the Hussein said that when it came to servative the BBC were in the early 'Love Letters On Blue Paper'. The warm, emotional person beneath working with scripts, ‘I always wel- 1960s – and enabled viewers to teleplay, written by Arnold Wesker (the scene near the end when she come a script which has an issue at ask questions via the website which and adapted from the short story of cries over Victor really pulled at the stake.’ 1965, for instance, saw Hus- Hussein would then answer while the same name, featured Patrick heartstrings). As a piece of archival sein directed an adaption of ‘A Pas- the screening was happening. In Troughton (the second actor to television, 'Love Letters On Blue sage To India’ for the BBC, while this drama Hussein was played by

65 66 Sacha Dhawan who very closely pushed by the operators whenever whilst the entry tickets are relatively resembled the young Hussein but, a zoom-in was needed. Hussein affordable, they only permit en- from the evidence of seeing the reflected that he felt that “we did as trance to the event; all pho- man himself, also his personality. well as we could” with working with- toshoots, autographs and While taking liberties with some as- in the confines of the studios and ‘selfies’ (where permitted) require pects of the early days of Doctor the BBC budget! Hussein also further outlay. Showmasters LFCC is quickly be- Who for dramatic or budgetary rea- mourned the loss of the BBC’s Di- coming a tradition for us. This sons (the resistance from execu- rector Training Course where he cut Olympia, West Kensington is the Summer event was our third LFCC tives in the BBC to the show is de- his teeth as a director prior to work- venue for Summer LFCC, which and, having only attended on Sat- picted as coming through a single ing on the soap-opera Compact. spreads across two halls as op- urday and Sunday previously, we figure in the drama, whereas Hus- Here he was subject to a baptism of posed to the Spring event which sein said in his commentary that fire when he had to adjust his di- took the plunge and booked for all utilises just one. We knew it would three days on this occasion. Price- Lambert was fighting off pressure recting on the spot when a camera be busier so having the quieter Fri- wise, the entry ticket wasn’t as ex- from several people), 'An Adventure malfunctioned during a live broad- day to wander at leisure and get pensive as one might think with In Space And Time' still provided a cast. As the event ended, Hussein familiar with the floor plan was real- three day entry averaging out at fantastic nostalgia-fest for fans of said with a twinkle: “I’ve had a very ly helpful. A handy hint for keeping £20 per day. If you are travelling the show. good run and fortunately, I’m still your bearings and easily meeting some distance however, the addi- running” It was a fine way to wrap up with people during your visit is tional accommodation and dining Following this screening, Charlton up a very pleasant event and cele- to choose a focal point or two early costs can make the keenly priced and Hussein returned for the sec- bration of one of Britain’s best tele- on. For us, this was Pizza Express ond part of their interview and re- vision directors. multi-day ticket appear less attrac- on the ground floor; it is clearly tive. It is also worth noting that flected on what the drama got right seen from the first floor too so you (Hussein did say that Hartnell’s re- can quickly determine if you’re ac- luctance about taking on the role tually in the hall you want to be in was depicted exactly as it hap- from the higher vantage point. It pened in real life) and what it was was also rather handy that our like working on the show in its in- friends from Sons of Skaro had fancy. One interesting nugget of their TARDIS and Daleks set up information was that Hussein was there! We then typically check out present when the theme tune where the photoshoot and auto- (written by Ron Grainer) was first graph areas are in relation to that; recorded (he still has the original, being able to easily navigate to Delia Derbyshire arranged version these locations will benefit those as his ringtone!). There was also who have photoshoots booked, it discussion of the second Doctor will also aid those who wish to Who story he directed, Marco Polo avoid the throngs of people queu- (1964), which is sadly missing from ing! the BBC archives, having been wiped as part of the organisation’s We attended our first convention in policy at the time. Hussein praised 2015, started cosplaying at our the work of BBC designer Barry second and have cosplayed every Newbery for the amazing sets he event we’ve been to since. Being was able to create and squeeze active on the cosplay scene, we within the confines of Studio D in This item was originally published find ourselves seeing the same Lime Grove studios, filled with its at Number Nine Reviews. You can people at many of these events, heavy cameras which had to be visit the site by clicking here. particularly LFCC which, being a

67 68 Doctor Who characters, we also day message; ironically, his Mum cosplay Battlestar Galactica and and Rich’s Mum share the same Star Wars icons too; Rich can often Birthday! be seen walking around in a Stormtrooper/Eleventh Doctor One thing to mention here is that mashup which always goes down for autographs, Showmasters now well with everyone! The beauty of have a ‘Virtual Queue’ system in LFCC is that anything goes. place at LFCC; this didn’t seem to be well advertised so we weren’t Understandably, the size and loca- able to take advantage of it this tion of the Summer LFCC event time but ultimately, if you obtain an means the Showmasters team are autograph queue ticket for your able to attract the attendance of a chosen guest(s) as soon as you with me at all times but didn’t need range of A-list celebrities. Photo arrive, you can then go about en- to call upon my emergency stash! opportunity tickets are typically pur- joying the rest of the day safe in There are a number of locations in chased online in advance with the the knowledge that you have a the halls that provide food and appearance on the day being de- place in a shorter queue when the drinks, including a couple of stand- pendent on the individuals existing number on your ticket falls within alone carts selling just lager. Being contractual commitments so, whilst the number range displayed. The within the event building, these do disappointing, it’s not uncommon queues for photoshoots line up ac- have a tendency to have limited for guests to pull out in the run up to cording to the batch number on options and can be expen- flagship event, draws people from the event. I find it frustrating when a your ticket, they are inevitably long sive. There is a Tesco Express far and wide. Despite the huge guest cancels the night before or and snake back and forth in quite a nearby for lunchtime ‘meal deals’ numbers, we actually managed to there is a delay in communicating a small area but the system did and the Pizza Express restaurant I catch up with all the people we had guest cancellation from the organis- seem more organised than previ- mentioned earlier is accessible from expected to see as well as some er but, it happens and is just one of ous events, or maybe we’re just inside and outside the event, the that we hadn’t. There’s something those things… getting more familiar with the public side having a more extensive rather lovely about randomly seeing Showmasters process. menu. Alternatively, the Hand & a face you recognise in the crowd, This time we had photos booked Flower conveniently located across sharing a hug, appreciating the with: Katee Sackhoff, Lee Majors, With regards to facilities, toilets are the road is a firm favourite of ours. work that’s gone into creating outfits Robert Picardo, Alex Kingston and located at various locations on eve- They offer a varied lunch, dinner and generally ‘geeking out’ before John Barrowman. Katee and Alex ry floor in each hall. They are well and drinks menu and has a wonder- posing for the obligatory photos. Of unfortunately cancelled but we were sign posted and, given how busy ful atmosphere, so this is where we course, if you happen to be wearing still able to get photos with Lee and the event is, are surprisingly well usually catch up with friends at the related cosplay, there’s every Robert, both of whom were an ab- maintained; I typically carry tissue end of each day. chance you will recreate an actual solute pleasure to meet. John can- scene and have many photogra- celled for the Friday but we were Summer LFCC isn’t cheap, it’s very phers capturing the moment! able to rebook for the Saturday busy; probably needing a different which was a huge relief as a photo venue in years to come and quite We usually have our outfits ready with him along with a signed book frankly, it’s tiring… But we love it, well in advance – this time though I were our intended unique Birthday roll on Spring LFCC 2020! was putting the finishing touches to present for Rich’s Mum! We found my Doctor Who Jo Grant boots the John Barrowman to be really friend- Twitter: @RunningWhovian night before! Still, I guess last mi- ly, he took the time to orchestrate Photos: Richard Nelson nute alterations are a rite of pas- two very different poses for our Twitter: @bhxscanner sage for cosplayers… In addition to photoshoot and wrote a lovely Birth-

69 70 Doctor Who titles). This continued Whatever happened to him? saw more consolidation of new right until the end of 2000 with The ranges (including releases for Mutant Phase. It would be 2008 The Sixth Doctor and Evelyn mile- Gallifrey and Sarah Jane) it was before the move to download com- stone 2003 release Jubilee must be 2007 when Big Finish found a way menced with The Condemned – mentioned in any study of Big Fin- to move back into early eras with more on that later. ish – the story Russel T Davies the Companion Chronicles range: asked Rob Shearman to develop single-disc stories read / performed July 1999 Big Finish released the July was quickly followed by indi- for the TV episode Dalek. This year by an actor who’d been a compan- Nick Briggs story Sirens of Time vidual stories for the fifth, sixth and was also the 40th anniversary of ion and a small cast, often these with Peter Davison, Colin Baker seventh Doctors alongside Tur- Doctor Who on TV, and Big Finish are two-handers. January 2007 and Sylvester McCoy appearing as lough, Peri, Nyssa and Ace. March celebrated with three big stories: brought Maureen o’Brien back as their respective Doctors. As we ap- 2000 marked another milestone as Davros, Omega and Master before Vicki and a certain Sheridan Smith proach two decades, it’s easy to be Jac Rayner’s story The Marian the three-disc epic eighth Doctor, as the character Cinder. January overwhelmed by the number and Conspiracy brought a new audio multi-character / multi-epic Zagre- 2007 also brought Sheridan Smith range of titles released in the inter- only companion for the sixth Doc- us, a story that divides opinion to our attention as new companion vening years. Taking a random tor, Dr Evelyn Smythe played by even now, and saw the eight Doc- Lucie Miller. month (March 2019) and we were Maggie Stables. With Evelyn Big tor and Charley take the range into treated to a fifth Doctor story with Finish demonstrated they could new territory: the Divergent Uni- Kamelion, Tegan and Turlough, extend the range of companions verse, a series of experimental sto- Fourth Doctor Comic Strip adapta- and find new and compelling ways ries with new rules, no TARDIS and tions, Lalla Ward’s Romana in to explore various incarnations of new foes. A big experiment that Gallifrey: Time War 2, a short story the Doctor. It wouldn’t be long be- never fully developed, thanks to a for the seventh Doctor, a Torch- fore Evelyn met the Brig, Lalla certain TV show’s return to the wood release and a celebration of Ward appeared as Romana and small screen in 2005. International Women’s Day with Bonnie Langford reprised (with The Eighth of March bringing River great success over the years) Mel As the show returned to TV, Big Song, Ace, Benny, Madame Vastra Bush. Finish’s sales plummeted (Nick and team as well as Kate Stewart Briggs once suggested this might and Osgood. So, just how did Big January 2001 kicked off with an- be as much as a 25% drop). Not Finish get from there to here? Let’s other Doctor as Paul McGann took only were sales down but there go back to the beginning…. possession of the TARDIS with a was a continuity problem: how new audio companion, Charley could the Doctor fight a Time War Any survey of Big Finish output Pollard (India Fisher). The eighth and visit twenty-first century Lon- runs the risk of drowning under the Doctor allowed Big Finish to later don if he was stuck in the Divergent Lucie Miller was a new companion volume of titles, and in the interests explore new ground… more on that Universe? The Big Finish experi- for the eighth Doctor whose main of space this article focusses on later. Also in 2001, the first spin-off ment came to an untimely end and range appearances were slowly some of many milestones. There appeared: Dalek Empire. Excilis the Doctor was rushed back to running down. With Lucie, a mod- are others; apologies if personal and Sarah Jane Smith followed in Earth post haste with August ern young woman, there was a new favourites are missed. 2002 and more Dalek Empire in 2005’s Terror Firma. energy in stories and a feeling of 2003 as well as the what-if alter- connection to the TV series. Over It may surprise some readers to nate history series Unbound. This By this time there was another orig- four series Lucia and the Doctor know the early Big Finish Doctor skips over the seminal 2001 re- inal spin-off series establishing it- brought many new fans to Big Fin- Who stories were released on cas- lease for the main range, Colditz a self, Gallifrey, which started in ish thanks to their being broadcast sette tape (very much as the Big story of Nazi Germany winning 2004. The end of 2005 also saw on BBC Radio 7. Sheridan has Finish predecessor Audio Visuals World War 2, and an officer Kurtz another spin-off, Cybermen. Crea- since gone on to massive success had released their non-licensed played by a certain David Tennant. tivity was undiminished! If 2006 on stage and TV but has recently

71 72 found time to reprise the part and The next big milestones came in we will be getting more Lucie this the fiftieth anniversary of the show. year for the Big Finish anniversary. Big Finish produced a monthly set of stories (one for each then extent In 2009 the Lost Stories range ap- Doctor) called Destiny of the Doc- peared: scripts for never made ad- tor. For November 2013 itself they Eighth Doctor boxsets continue to prove to be among the highest ventures adapted for audio and giv- released a multi-Doctor epic Light This is a Dalek adventure. Yes, quality and event-piece releases ing us a change to listen to every- at the End, which was also the first those pepper pots are back. Like from Big Finish, and Ravenous 3 is thing from Farewell Great Macedon vinyl release for Big Finish. Not many stories previously, the title no exception. There is always a five to seventh Doctor stories with new one’s to rest on their laurels, Big gives away that they will be in it, -day countdown on social media for companion Raine Creevy. It was Finish found more and more ways and what could be built to a reveal, each release, which I find ramp up 2010 that brought what many fans to expand and September 2015 never quite works. the excitement for when the sets view as the best spin-off of all: Jago gave the first appearance for Tim become available. & Litefoot. Treloar as the third Doctor in the This is another gratifying outing for

first set of Third Doctor Adventures, the Sixth Doctor, again granted the ‘Deeptime Frontier’ was originally For two characters who only ap- while Elliot Chapman gave voice to opportunity to be both deductive intended to be the closing act of peared in one fourth Doctor story Ben Jackson alongside Jamie and and heroic, and Colin Baker again Ravenous 2, and although it’s per- The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Jago Polly in The Yes Men. gives a find performance. Both haps not the most innovative with and Litefoot brought many hours of Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant con- its storyline while at times being a listening delight over a range of re- Since then we’ve had the new se- tinue to bring the Doctor and Peri to bit too descriptive with its dialogue, leases including their own thirteen ries licence, David Tennant back as life brilliantly, and I’ve very pleased it remains every bit as powerful as release series of boxsets including the tenth Doctor, stories for the to see that Big Finish continue to the opener to Ravenous 3 and final- Lisa Bowerman as barmaid Ellie ninth and eleventh as well as a give them a range of stories ly gives genuine menace to the Higson whose chemistry with Chris- range of War Doctor stores for John threat that has been hinted at for so topher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter Hurt. As each month passes it The play itself treads familiar long. While ‘Seizure’ gave us a very is made all the more remarkable seems there’s an announcement ground and to be fair most dalek simple introduction to the Rav- when you realise Lisa also directed! whether it’s the short story format stories do. The stars are the char- enous, ‘Deeptime Frontier’ takes And this is maybe the moment to Short Trips bringing Jackie Tyler on acters and the production itself. the time to give us a great deal not forget how important Lisa’s Ber- alternate Earth, adventures set on more information. Sometimes, nice Summerfield was to Big Finish New Earth or Derek Jacobi as the From the start what really jumped knowing too much can ruin a mon- both before the Doctor Who licence War Master in his own boxsets. out at me with this audio was the ster’s scare factor, but the origins of and also since. There’s no room to do more than tremendous sound design and mu- the Ravenous actually enhance it. mention the often-brilliant Torch- sical accompaniment. The team at

Soon Big Finish would be releasing wood range and even Class has Big Finish have gone full Star Wars ‘Companion Piece’ by John Dorney stories set in the era of every Doc- made an appearance. style on this and I loved it. takes both the Doctor and the Rav- tor from the shows past bar one: enous out of the equation to tell a Tom Baker’s. It would be a few When you try to get the measure of This story won’t be one that I return surprisingly isolated tale that cele- more years before that problem twenty years of Doctor Who at Big to often but if they released a brates so much of the Eighth Doctor was resolved as 2012 started with Finish, the only possible reaction is soundtrack I would delve into it over era with his companions very much the first of the Fourth Doctor Adven- amazement, tinged with astonish- and over. at the forefront. The return of Char- tures in January’s Destination Ner- ment and healthy pinch of excite- lotte Pollard to the Eighth Doctor va. The end of 2012 also saw the ment as to what might come next. For a trailer click here adventures is undoubtedly going to day the Big Finish website broke Roll on the next twenty years! be the major draw of this story for under the weight of downloads To buy from Big Finish click here many, and India Fisher delivers a when a new eight Doctor spin-off To buy from Amazon UK click here Dark Eyes was released. profound performance that perfectly

73 74 exemplifies her companion’s intelli- Special mention must be given to ance the epic with the subtle, and gence, self-assuredness, and brav- Mark Bonnar and John Heffernan the over-the-top with the slight un- ery. Sadly, this isn’t after her time whose tour de force performances dertones. They know how to put of travelling with the Doctor and so as The Eleven and The Nine are a music in a scene. there’s no genuine reunion be- highlight of this set. tween her and the Eighth Doctor. I If there was a way to make a written Alex Kingston and Lisa Bowerman still hold out hope that we will get Looking towards ‘Ravenous 4’ I do review solely consisting of awed play wonderfully off each other as this at some point in the future. find myself wondering if trapping silence, intermittent squeals, and two archaeologists who care deeply these series into 4 x 4 episodes is a frantic gesticulating, I would send it for the Doctor and would do any- John Dorney has written a plot good thing. It might be better just to in, and you the reader would be thing to protect him. And their mutu- that’s very light and straightforward do ‘The Eighth Doctor Adventures’ subject to my incoherent babble. al distaste – and eventual support – – essentially, the companions work volumes as with other Doctors, so However, I wouldn’t subject you to of his newest companion was won- together to escape from a seeming- as not to trap the writers into these that, and instead, this will be reada- derful. Talking of whom - Ria. That ly inescapable prison. This means arc limits. ble, and my high-pitched squeals of voice drove nails through my head, that there is much more focus on excitement will only exist in your and I suppose, in the end, that was the dialogue and character explora- Although we know where the Eighth imagination. Did you hear that? the point. Ria was an overly chipper tion than there is on an over- Doctor ends his life, we know noth- That was me. Granted it isn’t that individual, overhyping the Doctor. I complicated story. ing of Helen and Liv’s future with high-pitched, but it’s startling none- couldn’t stand her, until the end of him, unlike most other companions the-less. the story. She was overly chipper Being in the same story arc as the who feature in stories told by Big for a very specific reason. Spoilers. brilliant Krampus two-part tale from Finish. This open creative space My first Doctor Who audio was ‘The Ravenous 2, ‘L.E.G.E.N.D’ will un- means that the Eighth Doctor is still Light at the End’, Big Finish’s an- ‘The Split Infinitive’ by John Dor- doubtedly draw comparisons be- forging ahead and making new swer to the ultimate 50th Anniver- ney. cause of the similar themes it co- ground just as much as he was in sary celebration for Doctor Who. I vers. Yet while the end result here the early 2000s. I am ready for thought nothing could top it but I This story featured Sylvester McCoy isn’t quite as seamless and reso- whatever is ahead. 8/10 for this one was incredibly wrong. However, as the Doctor, Sophie Aldred as nant as what has come before, the enough with this pretence. Let’s get Ace, Simon Williams as Group Cap- bevy of strong ideas at its core un- on with the stories. tain Gilmore, Pamela Salem as Ra- questionably creates the potential chel Jensen, and Karen Gledhill as to be a lot more. For me whilst the ‘Lies in Ruins’ by James Goss. Allison Williams. weakest episode of the series this is not quite a throw away episode, This story featured Paul McGann as I was so delighted to see these It is just that the previous story was the Doctor, Alex Kingston as Pro- classic characters return. UNIT be- so good, this cannot live up to it. fessor River Song, Lisa Bowerman fore UNIT, Gilmore, Jensen, and as Professor Bernice Summerfield, Williams made a grand return in this The final episode of Ravenous 3, and Alexandria Riley as the Doc- story, with two timelines happening ‘The Odds Against’ is a very ‘by the tor’s new companion, Ria. at the same time, one in the 70s, numbers’ Doctor Who adventure, and one in the 80s. Confused? and I feel this is deliberate. ‘The I’ve heard many renditions of the Don’t be. It was written so well, the Odds Against’ is definitely very ef- Doctor Who theme before, but I had concurrent stories happening make fective as a finale to the box set. yet to hear this version used in the perfect sense as one listens along. I The scale is overall rather small ‘Time War’ series. It is amazing. loved Jensen and Williams in the compared to some of the other fi- Pure thunder, and filled with the television serial, two women who nales, but the personal stakes real- For the trailer click here promise of something epic. The were pioneers for the Scientific Ad- ly do feel at their highest, and it ties people who create the main and visor position the Doctor would one the whole box off very nicely. To buy from Big Finish click here incidental music for Big Finish bal- day fill. They haven’t lost their spark To buy from Amazon UK, click here

75 76 in this story. turns, and is actually this Doctor’s in years, with the same excitement -real-life daughter. I love it! and professionalism that make Hearing McCoy and Aldred together them who they are. I didn’t want again took me to their onscreen Jenny is very like the future (tenth) ’The Legacy of Time’ to end. I want- time together. They sound the Doctor. She is overly excited about ed to crawl inside that world, and same. You could have told me this adventure, and spouts out all her live there. was recorded in the 80s and I knowledge in very few breaths… would have believed you. while the (fifth) Doctor expresses To all involved with this project, I confusion, and slight disdain. thank you. You took time, and care The Sacrifice of Jo Grant’ by Guy into crafting this adventure, and it Adams. Peter Davison and Georgia Tennant showed. Happy Anniversary, Big work very well together here as you Finish. Long may you reign. This story features Tim Treloar as would expect and this definitely the Doctor, Katy Manning as Jo adds to the story There are two version of this play Grant/ Jones, Ingrid Oliver as Os- available; the standard and special good, Jemma Redgrave as Kate editions. Stewart, and [REDACTED] as ‘The Avenues of Possibility’ by Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and [REDACTED]. Jonathan Morris. Paul McGann as their respective To hear the trailer click here Doctors, Lisa Bowerman as Ber- With a title like that, you know This story features Colin Baker as nice Summerfield, [REDACTED] as To purchase the CD or download something is gonna tug at the the Doctor and India Fisher as Char- [REDACTED], [REDACTED] as version the standard edition from heartstrings, right? The relationship lotte Pollard. [REDACTED], and [REDACTED] Big Finish click here between Osgood and Jo Grant was as [REDACTED]. amazing. Katy and Ingrid are a fan- I’m accustomed to Charlie being To purchase the download of the tastic duo. It was also nice to hear with Paul McGann’s Doctor, so it Can you believe REDACTED is in Special Edition from Big Finish click Jo Grant with Kate Stewart, as Jo was intriguing for me to hear her it? I’m teasing you, I know, I’m terri- here also knew the Brigadier. with Colin. This Doctor does not ble, but discovery is all worth the know that Charlie is a future com- listen, I promise. The standard version is also availa- But who is Tim Treloar? I was hon- panion of his too, and there was a ble to buy from Amazon UK—click estly surprised at his mimicry of Jon major reference to her time with the Leela and Romana: I haven’t lis- here Pertwee. I felt it was slightly off at Eighth Doctor which made me tened to the Gallifrey series yet, so times, but it was believable enough smile. Her adventures were my sec- this is the first time I’ve heard them for me to think, yeah, this is the ond foray into the world of Big Finish together. Remember that concur- Third Doctor – especially when in- (after ‘Light at the End’). Now I want rent timeline from ‘The Split Infini- teracting with Jo. to hear more stories with India and tive?’ Well, that sort of happens Colin. They work incredibly well to- here too but in a different way, gether, and sound like the best of where both Leela and Romana ‘Relative Time’ by Matt Fitton pals in the audios. travel with the Doctor. It was grand to hear Tom on audio again. His This story features Peter Davison ‘Collision Course’ by Guy Adams delivery is different on audio, but I as the Doctor and Georgia Tennant quite like it, although to be fair, I as Jenny. This story features (prepare your- like anything voiced by Tom. self) Tom Baker as the Doctor, Ah, the title makes much more Louise Jameson as Leela, Lalla Everyone is amazing in the con- sense now, doesn’t it? Such a Ward as Romana AND later on in cluding tale to this six-part story all tease! The Doctor’s Daughter re- the story, Tim Trelor, Peter Davison, playing their role as they have for

77 78 direction is also notable as it could scripts, I quickly realised how much have easily become an ‘impression deeper I would have to dig into the fest’, rather than letting the actors story-telling. I wanted to delve into just play the roles. the world of Doctor Who, starting with the theme of conflict. After The basis for the play is the final watching all the episodes related to confrontation between the Third war, I decided to focus on the epi- I came to this, not knowing what to Doctor and the Master which of sode ‘Victory of the Daleks’ as my expect. I’ve not listened to a non- course, we never saw on TV owing inspiration. I wanted to tell the story Big Finish audio since the DWAS to Roger Delgado’s death. This of- leading up to the episode, looking Additional content also by Thomas Cosmic Fugues, remember those? fers plenty of scope for the writers, at the wartime aesthetics, why the Rickerby (director of sound) and Anyway, I was a little unsure as I and I am looking forward to episode British army would resort to using Saul Boyer (creative associate). hit play. 2. the Daleks as weapons, and how

one officer tries to stop it. I felt that I was 7 years old, sitting on my so- The audio opens with narration, I hope that future instalments live the Ironside Daleks were such an fa, eagerly waiting for the next epi- before getting into cast performanc- up to the standard started here. It is original and interesting take on the sode of Doctor Who to start. The es. I am not generally a fan of nar- not perfect, but it is off to a damn monsters and I wanted to explore story was the 'Spearhead from ration; I would much rather have a good start. If you have an hour, give their deceptive personalities further. Space' and it was my first experi- full cast production. Personal pref- it a listen, you may just be sur- When writing the Ironside script ence of watching the exiled time- erences aside, the narrator sounds prised, like I was. and the next two in the trilogy, I lord and his companion fighting ter- like he is purposefully putting on a wanted to ask questions like: ‘how rifying monsters. I was soon deeper voice, I can only assume You can listen to the episode free- far should we go in the name of vic- hooked. After watching Jon whoever it is, is doing another of-charge at You Tube by clicking tory?’, ‘how can we be selfless in Pertwee's run religiously, I was voice in the audio and needs to dif- here. the face of conflict?’ and ‘how can hungry for more. That's when I ferentiate between them. It would we find compromise and peace stumbled across the audio stories have helped to have a cast list or when we have forgotten what we by Big Finish whilst in my local some production details to help were fighting for?’ The process book shop. Now, 16 years later, I support the play. seemed challenging at first, as I have set up an Independent short had to learn a new way of writing film and audio production company First episodes are always tricky, and had to think with sound in that has been directly influenced by and this does well to introduce the mind, rather than visuals. But after watching and listening to Doctor listener to all the characters. Partic- a lot of practise, I think I got the Who all those years ago. As a fan ular note must be given to Marshall hang of the medium. and now a filmmaker, I wanted to Tankersley for his 3rd Doctor, pay homage to the most important which is very good and certainly After the first script was completed, show in my life by making a fan helps visualise in the mind's eye casting the characters was the next film. As I was writing my first Doctor that particular era of the show. All step, which we did via voice audi- Who short film script, an old Big the regular characters from season tions. Thomas Rickerby (director of Finish Audiobook started to play on 11 are here, plus some others such sound) is now currently creating the my phone's playlist. I stopped typ- as Corporal Bell. ‘project sessions’ for the dialogue ing, closed my screen-fried eyes recording, which will be used when and started to listen. It was then The team from Black Glove Studio the actors come in for a day or two that I realised, I not only wanted to have obviously put a lot of time and for a dry read through, along with pay tribute to the show but to the effort into this first chapter from their actual recorded performances. audio adventures as well. sound effects, to background music These recorded sessions are then and of course performances. The edited by Thomas, who pieces to- When it came to writing the audio

79 80 gether the best takes of dialogue to Shot’ (which will follow Strax and into my local town, and so thought it create the finished performance. the Doctor finding out the cause of might be worth making the journey Next comes the most interesting the war between the Sontaran’s and and see what opportunities present- part, the sound effects and music the Rutans). Finally, I am develop- ed themselves. that have to be added to support ing another trilogy of audio dramas the dialogue and set the scene for harking back to the Classic era of On the evening of 22 May 2019, a As it happened, the next day was our stories. Once these elements the show, which will explore the Facebook friend sent me a link to a beautifully sunny, and as I stepped are in place, the audio drama is theme of power (political, mystical news item concerning a two day out of my bookmaker, I saw the then synced to an artwork visualis- and environmental). This will tie old- Doctor Who location shoot that was Gloucester bus drive by. It was a er, which adds slight movement to er villains and stories to modern so- taking place at Gloucester Cathe- short jog to the stop, and although the otherwise static artwork. Final- cio-political and environmental is- dral. This was quite unusual in that the driver was preparing to depart ly, the finished project will go sues that we face in modern society the press normally only report such as I reached it, he showed some through a test audience who will that I hope fans can resonate with. a thing once it’s over, and yet here it pity, opened the doors, and allowed listen and critique before final Big thanks to the Dr Who Apprecia- clearly said that recording would me to board. changes are made to it before it is tion Society and to my head of continue throughout the next day. published on YouTube for the pub- sound Thomas Rickerby, whom About 45 minutes later the bus en- lic and fans. without, none of this would be pos- This left me with something of a di- tered Gloucester and I alighted near sible. lemma. I knew from my past experi- the cathedral. In the distance I could We have several audio drama ences working as an extra that this see a giant crane carrying what shorts planned for release this If you want to keep up to date with kind of thing can be pretty boring. It looked like a powerful Halogen year: premiering with 'The Iron- our Doctor Who fan productions, usually involves a lot of waiting floodlight. I made my way to the sides' (the prequel to Victory of the follow us at @dwarfstarvisuals. around, followed by the same scene back of the cathedral and entered Daleks), which will be followed by Thank you for reading! being acted out and recorded, over through the cloisters, thinking that, ‘Saviour of the Daleks', (a sequel to and over again. as they were filming in the nave, 'Evil of the Daleks') and ‘The First this route would get me as close as However, I did have a reason to go possible to the action.

Artwork by Eli Hyder (@venamis).

81 82 Unfortunately, I was soon confront- spotted them! the Judoon were there. ed by a sign that read “Caution. Filming in progress. The producers Judoon? Nope, fans! Bunched to- The common consensus was that and crew would like to apologise gether near a stone buttress. I iden- Jodie would very probably do an- for any inconvenience caused dur- tified them mainly from their atten- other ‘meet and greet’ on her return ing the preparation/filming of this tive posture, but also the fact that from lunch, and this was expected production. We appreciate your co- one of them was wearing a grubby around 2.30pm; so I strolled off to operation and thank you for your Seventh Doctor tank-top. do a bit of shopping, get a burger patience.” and possibly a pint, or three.

The sign was so large and well An hour later I returned. The fans placed it was impossible to con- were still there in the hot sun (I felt vincingly blunder into the nave by sorry for the large gentleman in the ‘accident’, let alone take any pho- question mark tank-top), but no sign tos, so instead I decided to retrace of Jodie. By three o’clock there was my steps and venture around the still no joy and I was, quite frankly, front of the cathedral to see what getting bored; so I left for home. was happening there. Arriving at the bus station, I was What I discovered first were vans, I approached a young woman wear- shocked to discover that the entire cranes, elevated platforms and a ing a Doctor Who tee-shirt, and building had been demolished. For- group of gaffers chatting to each asked if anything interesting had tunately a passer-by kindly pointed other. There was also an over- happened earlier in the day. She me towards a brand new, glass and enthusiastic security guard, who told me that there hadn’t been steel structure, thirty feet to my left, would rushed back and forth, telling much to see, but that Jodie had and told me that this was the new startled pedestrians that they could come over before filming had be- station…. It just goes to show how not enter the cathedral, whether gun, spoken with the fans and infrequently I visit Gloucester by they intended to or not. Then I posed for a number of selfies. She bus. I decided to go over and find out wasn’t, however, giving out auto- what had been happening, but as I graphs. I was further told that, alt- started to cross the road, I was hough Jodie had been absent yes- hooted at by a car. I stepped back terday, recording in the cloisters and was surprised to see Jodie had continued until 8pm. Whittaker, in full costume, waving and smiling from the passenger Another fan showed me some mo- seat. I snapped a photo with my tab- bile phone footage she had taken let, but only managed to get the that morning of Jodie at a distance, back of her head. As it was 1.30pm again dressed as the Doctor but it was clear she was being taken off with her braces dangling, while somewhere for lunch. someone else kindly emailed me a photo of Jodie standing outside in A bunch of Judoon actors, minus the cathedral courtyard. “She’s very heads, then trailed out of the side small,” I was told. “She can’t be entrance, climbed into a minibus more than five foot two!” I asked if and scooted off in the same direc- any of the other regular cast had tion. made an appearance, but everyone shook their heads. Only Jodie and Images © Alan Stevens 83 84 reflected in their own personality... The Corsair and the Doctor find themselves in a caged part of the Hoarder's collection. He has every- thing - jewels, clothes, people – you know, the usual stuff. The ‘something’ in volume 11 referred to These recent comic book releases above also finds itself in the Hoard- from Titan are lovely work. The er’s possession and the Doctor and characters have both exciting dia- the Corsair need to deal with this logue and very good imagery. too.

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

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

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

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

85 86 Roberta Ingranata is also a very good artist. She has the ability to capture a person’s likeness without adding too much detail. And the way they both drew the creatures? Horrifying, yet sympathetic. Stott and Ingranata certainly know how to evoke emotions from the audi- ence through their art. Very well Volume 2 of the Thirteenth Doctor done. comic books from Titan collect to- gether issues 5—8. Colouring is also very important. Some comics come in black and The writing in the comic books dif- white, but coloured ones are more fers from the show and from other mainstream now-a-days, and helps media, and I mean that in the best set the mood for the scene. Writing way possible. Jody Houser, the and line art can certainly set the writer, not only knows the charac- mood, but when colour is added, ters, but knows the show in all it’s that’s when the scene is truly set. incarnations. In the comics, writers From creating a dark and moody can take inspiration from whenever, forest, to using warm tones to make and can mimic any writer they wish, a scene comforting, Angiolini knows to craft a story they want to see a how to make a scene truly pop. particular Doctor take part in. I found the last TV season very dif- I love Doctor Who novels and com- ferent from the others, but this com- ics. Writers get the chance to pro- ic was written in such a way that it duce stories in their own way and took elements from the new sea- the Thirteenth Doctor gets another son, while placing it in a more neu- round of adventures through Titan tral writing style that is more com- Comics, in brand new writing styles mon within Doctor Who. which, personally, I prefer over the televised version. The story was clever, very clever, and while I’m not the biggest fan of ‘Hidden Human History’ is a very the Doctor using “fam,” I must say I modern Doctor Who tale, perfect for enjoyed Thirteen more in this, than us in the here and now. I have in the show.

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

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

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