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{{Infobox Story SMW
|{{Infobox Story
|image        = <gallery>
|name= Corpse Marker  
Corpse Marker.jpg|1999 edition
|image= Corpse Marker.jpg  
Corpse marker-0.jpg|2014 edition
|series=[[BBC Past Doctor Adventures]]  
</gallery>
|number= 27
|series       = [[BBC Past Doctor Adventures]]  
|doctor=Fourth Doctor  
|number       = 26
|companions= [[Leela]]
|doctor       = Fourth Doctor  
|enemy=[[SASV7]]<br> [[Sandminer robot]]s
|companions   = [[Leela]]
|year= [[Kaldor City]], [[2887]]
|featuring    = [[Kiy Uvanov|Uvanov]], [[Lish Toos|Toos]], [[Ander Poul|Poul]]
|writer= [[Chris Boucher]]  
|enemy       = [[SASV1]], [[Carnell]]
|publisher= [[BBC Books]]
|setting      = [[Kaldor City]], [[2887]]
|release date= November [[1999]]
|writer       = Chris Boucher
|format= Paperback Book, 284 Pages  
|read by      = [[David Collings]]
|isbn= ISBN 0-563-55575-0  
|publisher   = BBC Books  
|prev=Divided Loyalties (novel)
|release date = 29 November 1999
next=Last of the Gaderene (novel)}}
|format       = Paperback Book; 16 Chapters, 284 Pages  
:''You may be looking for [[corpse marker|the titular item]]''.
|isbn         = ISBN 0-563-55575-0  
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the twenty-seventh [[BBC Past Doctor Adventures]] novel. It was written by [[Chris Boucher]]. Featuring the [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[Leela]], this novel was a sequel to the [[1977]] television story ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''.
|prev         = Divided Loyalties (novel)
|next         = Last of the Gaderene (novel)
}}{{you may|corpse marker|n1=the titular item}}
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the twenty-sixth novel in the [[BBC Past Doctor Adventures]] series. It was written by [[Chris Boucher]], released [[29 November (releases)|29 November]] [[1999 (releases)|1999]] and featured the [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[Leela]].
 
This novel was a sequel to the 1977 television story ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''.


== Publisher's summary ==
== Publisher's summary ==
''Long ago and far away, the Doctor and Leela faced the Robots of Death...''
=== 1999 BBC Books edition ===
''Long ago and far away, [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]] and [[Leela]] faced the [[Kaldor android|Robots of Death]]...''


To a society dependent on robots, the news that these benign, tireless, obedient labourers could be turned into killers would cause panic. So it was kept a secret. In [[Kaldor City]], only the three survivors of the [[Sandminer]] massacre know the truth. But now, several years later, they are beginning to show signs of mental breakdown. And once again, the robots are being programmed to kill. Can the dead genius [[Taren Capel]] possibly be involved in this new outrage?
To a society dependent on robots, the news that these benign, tireless, obedient labourers could be turned into killers would cause panic. So it was kept a secret. In [[Kaldor City]], only the three survivors of the [[Sandminer|Storm Mine]] massacre know the truth. But now, several years later, they are beginning to show signs of mental breakdown. And once again, the robots are being programmed to kill. Can the dead genius [[Taren Capel]] possibly be involved in this new outrage?


Worst of all, this time the deadly robots are not confined to a Sandminer. This time they are loose in Kaldor City. And this time, unless the Doctor and Leela can stop them, they really will destroy the world.
Worst of all, this time the deadly robots are not confined to a Sandminer. This time they are loose in Kaldor City. And this time, unless the Doctor and Leela can stop them, they really will destroy the world.
=== 2014 BBC Books edition ===
[[Fourth Doctor|The Doctor]] and [[Leela]] arrive on the planet [[Kaldor]], where they find a society dependent on benign and obedient robots. But they have faced these robots before, on a huge Sandminer in the Kaldor desert, and know they are not always harmless servants.
The only other people who know the truth are the three survivors from that Sandminer — and now they are being picked off one by one. The twisted genius behind that massacre is dead, but someone is developing a new, deadlier breed of robots. This time, unless the Doctor and Leela can stop them, they really will destroy the world.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Threatened by upstarts from the common classes, such as Topmaster [[Kiy Uvanov]], Company Executives hire [[Carnell]], a noted Psychostrategist, to devise a plan to undermine the people's trust in the current generation of [[robot]]s, allowing [[the Company]] to introduce a new [[cyborg]] class with a minimum of fuss and ensuring the panic-stricken populace will accept the stability offered by the traditional ruling families. However, Carnell fails to factor [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]] and [[Leela]]’s presence into account and soon the plan goes completely wrong. As the executives who hired Carnell are now out to make him a scapegoat, he strikes a deal with Uvanov, giving Uvanov the leverage he needs to ensure a smooth transfer of power to him and his followers.  
Threatened by upstarts from the common classes, such as Topmaster [[Kiy Uvanov]], Company Executives hire [[Carnell]], a noted Psychostrategist, to devise a plan to undermine the people's trust in the current generation of [[robot]]s, allowing [[Kaldor City Company|the Company]] to introduce a new [[cyborg]] class with a minimum of fuss and ensuring the panic-stricken populace will accept the stability offered by the traditional ruling families. However, Carnell fails to factor [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]] and [[Leela]]'s presence into account and soon the plan goes completely wrong. As the executives who hired Carnell are now out to make him a scapegoat, he strikes a deal with Uvanov, giving Uvanov the leverage he needs to ensure a smooth transfer of power to him and his followers.


== Characters ==
== Characters ==
(in order of appearance)
* [[Fourth Doctor]]
*[[Roatson]]
* [[Leela]]
*[[Carnell]]
* [[Kiy Uvanov]]
*[[Ander Poul]]
* [[Ander Poul]]
*[[The Doctor]]
* [[Lish Toos]]
*[[Leela]]
* [[Carnell]]
*[[Mor Tani]]
* [[Layly Landerchild]]
*[[Lish Toos]]
* [[Cailio Techlan]]
*[[Simbion]]
* [[Padil]]
*[[Kiy Uvanov]]
* [[Con Bartel]]
*[[Cailio Techlan]]
* [[Diss Pitter]]
*[[Sel Pitter|Padil]]
* [[Mor Tani]]
*[[Hudge]]
* [[SASV1]]
*[[Stenton Rull]]
* [[Stenton Rull]]
*[[Teech Bolon]]
* [[Pur Dreck]]
*[[Pur Dreck]]
* [[Simbion]]
*[[Sarl]]
* [[Sarl]]
*[[V2734]]
* [[Teech Bolon]]
*[[Letarb]]
* [[Letarb]]
*[[Denek]]
* [[Denek]]
*[[Con Bartel]]
* [[Roatson]]
*[[Layly Landerchild]]
* [[Hudge]]
*[[Diss Pitter]]
* [[V2734]]
*[[Sido]]
* [[Security officer (Corpse Marker)|Security Officer]]
*[[Dahla]]
* [[Manager (Corpse Marker)|Manager of the Robot Lounge]]
*[[Ging]]
* [[Sido]]
*[[Reesh]]
* [[Dahla]]
*[[Tel]]
* [[Ging]]
*[[Bibo Mechman]]
* [[Reesh]]
*[[SASV1]]
* [[Tel]]
* [[Bibo Mechman]]


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
=== Individuals ===
=== Individuals ===
* Uvanov's full name is [[Kiy Uvanov]], Toos' is [[Lish Toos]], and Poul's is [[Ander Poul]]. None are descended from the [[Founding Families]]
* Uvanov no longer works on [[Storm Mine]]s. He is a [[Topmaster]] for [[Kaldor City Company|the Company]] and later attains the position of [[Firstmaster Chairholder]].
* Uvanov no longer works on [[Storm Mine]]s. At the start of this story, Uvanov is a [[Topmaster]] for [[The Company (corpse marker)|The Company]]. By its conclusion he attains the position of [[Firstmaster Chairholder]].
* Poul remembers nothing about his experience on [[Storm Mine Four]].
* Poul remembers nothing about his experience on [[Storm Mine Four]].
* Toos has no living relatives.
* Uvanov's executive assistant, [[Cailio Techlan]], is a minor member of one of the 20 founding families. The Doctor likens her to [[Taren Capel]].
* Uvanov’s executive assistant [[Cailio Techlan]] is a minor member of one of the 20 founding families. The Doctor likens her to [[Taren Capel]].
* [[Carnell]] is a [[psychostrategist]]. It has taken 2 years to establish himself as a financial planner and economic analyst in [[Kaldor City]]. Before arriving on [[Kaldor]] he was on the run.
* [[Carnell]] is a [[Psychostrategist]]. It has taken 2 years to establish himself as a financial planner and economic analyst in [[Kaldor City]]. Before arriving on [[Kaldor]] he was on the run. It is less well known that he was a confidential adviser to the cartels.
* [[Mor Tani]] and [[Sarl]] are brothers.
* [[Mor Tani]] and [[Sarl]] are brothers.
* The populace of Kaldor City have turned its back to the idea of space travel. Curiousity and determination are traits regarded as counterproductive.
* [[Padil]]'s real name is Sel Pitter, daughter of [[Diss Pitter]].
* Individuals from the outer zones are known as ‘Zoners’.
* The Doctor mentions [[Arthur Conan Doyle]].
* [[Sel Pitter|Padil’s]] real name is Sel Pitter daughter of [[Diss Pitter]].


=== Objects ===
=== Objects ===
* The [[TARDIS]] has ‘transdimentional flows’.  
* The [[TARDIS]] has "transdimentional flows".
* A [[Stun-kill]] is a weapon that looks like a cattle prod, capable of delivering a lethal shock. The setting can be adjusted, maximum is lethal.
* A [[stun-kill]] is a weapon that looks like a cattle prod and is capable of delivering a lethal shock. The setting can be adjusted; maximum is lethal.
* [[Cascade Berries]] stimulate the sense of taste and suppress the sense of smell.
* [[Cascade Berries]] stimulate the sense of taste and suppress the sense of smell.
* [[Z9a]] is an explosive device.
* [[Z9a]] is an explosive device.
* A level seven security zone refers to a place with no official existence.


=== Blind Heart Desert ===
=== Blind Heart Desert ===
* [[Kaldor City]] is situated along the southern edge of the [[Blind Heart desert]].
* [[Kaldor City]] is situated along the southern edge of the [[Blind Heart Desert]].
* Placing a [[Storm Mine]] on ‘minimum drive’ is enough to prevent it from sinking into the sand of the Blind Heart desert.
* The winter wind that blows into Kaldor City from the Blind Heart Desert is called "the Emptiness". Otherwise, the weather is usually calm and mild, known as "Ore-dream" by the workless of the [[Sewerpits]], named for the good fortune it brings to the poor.
* The winter wind that blows into Kaldor City from the Blind Heart desert is called ‘The Emptiness’. Otherwise, the weather is usually calm and mild, known as ‘Ore-dream’ by the workless of the [[Sewerpits]], named for the good fortune it brings to the poor.


=== The Company Board ===
=== The Company Board ===
* The [[Company Board]] is comprised of 30 individuals, mostly made up of senior members of the twenty [[founding families]].  
* The [[Company Board]] comprises 30 individuals, mostly made up of senior members of the twenty [[Founding Families]].
* [[Firstmaster Chairholder]] of the Company Board is the most senior position on [[Kaldor]]. There are [[Topmasters]] and [[Firstmasters]]. The latter being the higher position.  
* [[Firstmaster Chairholder]] of the Company Board is the most senior position on [[Kaldor]]. There are [[Topmasters]] and [[Firstmasters]], the latter being the higher position.
* Five members of [[Layly Landerchild|Layly Landerchild's]] family previously held the title of Firstmaster Chairholder. For as long as anyone can remember there have been Landerchilds, Roatsons, Mechmans and Farlocks on the Company Board.
* Five members of [[Layly Landerchild]]'s family previously held the title of Firstmaster Chairholder. For as long as anyone can remember there have been Landerchilds, Roatsons, Mechmans and Farlocks on the Company Board.
* During the events of this novel, [[Diss Pitter]] is Firstmaster Chairholder of the Company Board. He is from one of the minor families, whose links to the twenty founding families are tenuous.
* [[Diss Pitter]] is Firstmaster Chairholder of the Company Board.
*The civilian administration, known as the [[Minor Faction]], was originally devised to make group representations to the Company Board on behalf of the minoritys. This organization has developed in strength and influence as the numbers of outsiders, those unrelated to the founding families increased. The 'Minor Faction' have fought what it terms as ‘non-blood merit’, encouraging for the inclusion of founding family members on the Compnay Board. The hostility of the 'Minor Faction' has led to Landerchild being denied the position of Firstmaster Chairholder of the Company Board.
* The civilian administration, known as the [[Minor Faction]], was originally devised to make group representations to the Company Board on behalf of the minorities.
* Some members of the founding families aren’t rich, [[Carnell]] has been involved with their attempt to re-establish their power.  
* Some members of the founding families aren't rich. [[Carnell]] has been involved with their attempt to re-establish their power.


=== Storm Mines ===
=== Storm Mines ===
* [[Storm Mine Four]] was eight months into a two year tour when the events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'' occurred.
* After the [[Taren Capel]] incident, Storm Mine Four was abandoned, left to sink into the desert. The events were covered up in order to prevent the end of civilisation on [[Kaldor]]. The official story detailed the crew's struggle against [[ore raider]]s.
* After the [[Taren Capel]] incident, Storm Mine Four was abandoned, left to sink into the desert. The events were covered up in order to prevent the end of civilization on [[Kaldor]]. The official story detailed the crew’s struggle against [[ore raiders]].
* Very few people outside the [[company board]] know the true story of Storm Mine Four. There are confidential debriefing tapes documenting the incident.
* Very few people outside the [[company board]] know the true story of Storm Mine Four. There are confidential debriefing tapes documenting the incident.
* [[Storm Mine Seven]] is staffed by 14 human crew members: [[Lish Toos]], its captain, [[Mor Tani]], its pilot, and [[Simbion]], its [[chief mover]].
* Plans and schematics were recovered from Taren Capel’s cabin on Storm Mine Four.
* Storm Mine Seven returns from an 18 month tour of the desert with its ore hoppers full with high grade [[lucanol]].
* [[Storm Mine Seven]] is staffed by 14 human crew members, [[Lish Toos]] its Captain, [[Mor Tani]] its Pilot, and [[Simbion]] its [[Chief Mover]].
* Toos bans [[robot]]s from entering the control deck of the [[Storm Mine]], confining them to areas where she herself would not be working. Also, she enforces the ruling that no robot is permitted in the crew’s living quarters unless specifically tasked, and no robot is allowed in her personal quarters under any circumstances. As each of her tours progress the amount of deactivated robots rises steadily until by docking there is hardly a functioning robot active on the mine.  
* Storm Mine Seven returns from an 18 month tour of the desert with its ore hoppers full with high grade [[lucanol]]. Trial assays estimate this will separate out at around 70%, a level considered to be ‘pure’.
* At the end of the Storm Mine Seven tour there are only six functioning robots left operational.
* The [[Storm Mine]] has an area known as ‘gross function’ where robots are held.


=== Robots ===
=== Robots ===
* The information that a [[Laserson probe]] can be used to modify [[robot]]s to kill humans is classified.
* The information that a [[Laserson probe]] can be used to modify [[robot]]s to kill humans is classified.
* A [[deactivation circuit]] is used to shut down robots en masse
* A [[deactivation circuit]] is used to shut down robots en masse.
* A robot can switch to a different wavelength in order to see in total darkness. They also have infrared capabilities.
* A robot can switch to a different wavelength in order to see in total darkness. They also have infrared capabilities.
* [[stopDum]]s are used for restraining humans in a non-aggressive manner. Standard [[Dum]]s can be reset to perform the function of a stopDum.
* [[StopDum]]s are used for restraining humans in a non-aggressive manner. Standard [[Dum]]s can be reset to perform the function of a stopDum.
* [[medVoc]]s are capable of administering medical care to humans.
* [[MedVoc]]s are capable of administering medical care to humans.
* ‘SASV’ stands for Serial Access Supervoc.  
* SASV stands for Serial Access Supervoc.
* [[SASV1]] is a prototype robot. It is able to act as a directed control and modification device for other robots. Transferring its own modification level to the robots around it, particularly with Cyborg-class robots. It has no individual will, no inhibition about killing, and can duplicate this in any other robot.
* [[SASV1]] is a prototype robot. It is able to act as a directed control and modification device for other robots.
* Unbeknownst to its creators, and unlike other types of robot, SASV1 is capable of dreaming. And as such, is unable to distinguish between those dreams and reality.
* The robot division is obsessed with security. During the events of this novel, [[Kiy Uvanov|Uvanov]] is one of the Topmasters in the robot division.
* The robot division is obsessed with security. During the events of this novel, [[Kiy Uvanov|Uvanov]] is one of the Topmasters in the robot division.
* There is an activist group known as The [[Anti-Robot Front]], abbreviated as 'ARF'.
* There is an activist group known as the [[Anti-Robot Front]], abbreviated as ARF.


=== Tarenists ===
=== Tarenists ===
* [[Tarenists]] are a quasi-religious group, one of the hundred fringe cults hostile to [[robot]]s.
* [[Tarenist]]s, followers of [[Taren Capel]], are a quasi-religious group, one of the hundred fringe cults hostile to [[robot]]s. They carry [[corpse marker]]s with Taren Capel's initials inscribed to identify themselves and to mark their victims.
* Followers of [[Taren Capel]] are known as Tarenists. Whenever mentioning his name, they follow it with “humanity be in him”. They carry [[corpse markers]] with Taren Capel’s initials incribed to identify themselves and to mark their victims.
* The Taranists believe Taren Capel turned his back on his creations, his life’s work, and called for the destruction of robots.
*Capel’s teachings:
**Instruct one to fight against robots.
**Urge one to dress modestly for the struggle.
**Call martyrs to ‘the cause’.
**Discourage dependence on non-human help.
**Call for his followers to win in order to sacrifice.
*The aim of the Taranist is to return to a world where humanity counts, while at the same time striking at strategic robot installations


=== Sewerpits ===
=== Sewerpits ===
* The poor area of [[Kaldor City]] is known as the [[Sewerpits]]. It is where the dregs of [[Kaldor]] civilization reside.
* The poor area of [[Kaldor City]] is known as the [[Sewerpits]]. It is where the dregs of [[Kaldor]] civilisation reside.
* There an invisible boundary around the sewerpits that scrambles robots control systems. It’s unknown whether it's a natural or artificial effect. The boundary maybe generated by a natural rock formation, magnetic or radioactive, or some combination or variation. [[The Doctor]] thinks it artificial, who also thinks it will interfere with [[fliers]] too if below a certain height.
* [[The Doctor]] speculates the sewerpits might have originally been designed to trap rogue machines. He thinks it’s possible this civilization may have destroyed itself with killer [[robot]]s at least once before.
* The Doctor’s theory is that a killer machine is definded as malfunctioning and the boundary field is set up to accomadate it: In order to be capable of killing, a robot must be of a higher order of complexity and the field accomadates that. Killers cross and normally inhibited robots don’t and then once they are in they can’t get out again.
 
=== Allusions ===
* “If he didn’t exist then it would be necessary to invent him.” – [[Carnell]] on [[Taren Capel]].
* “Fear is the enemy of reason” – [[Leela]] quoting [[The Doctor]].
* “Wave cash above your head and they’ll never know how short you are.” – [[Lish Toos|Toos]], quoting an old saying.
* The Doctor mentions [[Conan Doyle]], and quotes a line of dialogue associated with [[Sherlock Holmes]]: “Eliminate the impossible, and whatever’s left, however improbable, must be the truth.”
* The Doctor once mentioned to Leela 'The Inverse Law of Advertising': The less important something is, the more important bragging about it becomes.
* “Money means never having to say you’re sorry.” – Toos quoting someone she can’t remember.


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
* The back cover states the story takes after [[PROSE]]: ''[[Last Man Running (novel)|Last Man Running]]'' and before [[TV]]: ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang (TV story)|The Talons of Weng-Chiang]].
* The back cover states the story takes after [[PROSE]]: ''[[Last Man Running (novel)|Last Man Running]]'' and before [[TV]]: ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang (TV story)|The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]''.
* Characters and concepts from both [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'' and this novel are reused in the spinoff audio series ''[[Kaldor City (audio series)|Kaldor City]]''.
* Characters and concepts from both [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'' and this novel are reused in the spinoff audio series ''[[Kaldor City (audio series)|Kaldor City]]''. According to dates provided in that series, ''Corpse Marker'' is set approximately six years, one month, and two weeks after ''The Robots of Death'' and two years and three months before the first ''Kaldor City'' audio, ''[[Occam's Razor (audio story)|Occam's Razor]]''.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/kaldorcity/posts/pfbid02ARmBGoPkexoNuFdX4QnYEYXipb93YxVpNZuaiVqibB6MVWUHkKJnYeYZcvGRRerzl Magic Bullet Productions on Facebook: "A firm timeline for the events of Kaldor City."]</ref>
* When writing this novel, [[Chris Boucher]] envisaged the character of [[Stenton Rull]] being played [[Trevor Cooper]]. Cooper previously appeared in Chris Boucher's TV series {{w|Star Cops}}, and would play the role in the [[Kaldor City (audio series)|Kaldor City]] audio series. <ref>[http://www.kaldorcity.com/features/articles/tcrecording.html A Day in Kaldor City: 8 August 2002 by Douglas McNaughton]</ref> Along with [[Stenton Rull]], the character of [[Layly Landerchild]] also features as a regular character in the ''[[Kaldor City (audio series)|Kaldor City]]'' as played by [[Peter Miles]].
* When writing this novel, [[Chris Boucher]] envisaged the character of [[Stenton Rull]] being played by [[Trevor Cooper]], who had appeared in Boucher's TV series {{w|Star Cops}}. Cooper later played Rull in the ''[[Kaldor City (audio series)|Kaldor City]]'' audio series.<ref>[http://www.kaldorcity.com/features/articles/tcrecording.html A Day in Kaldor City: 8 August 2002 by Douglas McNaughton]</ref> Along with Rull, the character of [[Layly Landerchild]] also regularly features in ''Kaldor City'', played by [[Peter Miles]].
* The [[TARDIS]] arrives inside an enclosed multi-storey space with metallic walls lined with gantries and ladders, and several doors leading to observation ports. The Doctor comments on its familiarity.  ([[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'', to which this story is a sequel, has the TARDIS arrive in a similar space.)
* Despite the story indicating that Leela is wearing the same outfit as [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'' the cover has her wearing the outfit that debuted in [[TV]]: ''[[Image of the Fendahl (TV story)|Image of the Fendahl]]''. Also the picture used of the [[Voc]] has felt attached to its eyes, used only in the TV series to key in a red video effect over the eyes.
* Despite the story indicating that Leela is wearing the same outfit as [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'' the cover has her wearing the outfit that debuted in [[TV]]: ''[[Image of the Fendahl (TV story)|Image of the Fendahl]]''. Also the picture used of the [[Voc robot]] has felt attached to its eyes, used only in the TV series to key in a red video effect over the eyes.
* The third edition of [[Mad Norwegian Press|Mad Norwegian Press']] reference work ''[[AHistory]]'' gives a year of [[2887]] for the events of this story.
* The third edition of [[Mad Norwegian Press|Mad Norwegian Press']] reference work ''[[AHistory]]'' gives a year of [[2887]] for the events of this story.
* This is a sequel to [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''. [[The Doctor]] and [[Leela]] don't look any older since those events.
* This is also a crossover with ''[[Blake's 7 (series)|Blake's 7]]''. [[Carnell]] is a supporting character in the novel, which is set two years after his appearance in the ''Blake's 7'' episode ''[[w:c:blakes7:Weapon (episode)|Weapon]]''.
* [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Checkmate (audio story)|Checkmate]]'' which is set 3 years and 30 days after this novel, states that it been 10 years since the events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'', which means that 7 years have passed on [[Kaldor]] since the Doctor and Leela last visited the planet.
* The story opens with Carnell recounting events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''.
* This novel was reprinted and released as an ebook by [[BBC Books]] on [[6 March (releases)|6 March]] [[2014 (releases)|2014]] as ''The Monster Collection Edition''. An audiobook, read by [[David Collings]], was released by BBC Physical Audio on [[19 March (releases)|19 March]] [[2015 (releases)|2015]]. It was also published in Germany by Cross Cult in 2021 as a paperback edition.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* This is a sequel to [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''. [[The Doctor]] and [[Leela]] don't look any older since those events.
* Bibo Mechman is later found dead. ([[AUDIO]]: '' [[Occam's Razor (audio story)|Occam's Razor]]'')
* This is also a crossover with ''[[Blake's 7]]''. [[Carnell]] is a supporting character in the novel, which is set two years after his appearance in the ''Blake's 7'' episode 'Weapon'.
* [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Checkmate (audio story)|Checkmate]]'' which is set 3 years and 30 days after this novel, states that it been 10 years since the events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''. Which means that 7 years have passed on [[Kaldor]] since The Doctor and Leela last visited the planet.
* The story opens with Carnell recounting events of [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''.
* 'Z9' explosives were previously used in [[TV]]: ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]''
* Bibo Mechman is found dead in [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Occam’s Razor (audio story)| Occam’s Razor]]''.
* [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Hidden Persuaders (audio story)|Hidden Persuaders]]'' opens with an announcement of the deaths of the characters [[Padil]], [[Diss Pitter]], and [[Cailio Techlan]].
* [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Hidden Persuaders (audio story)|Hidden Persuaders]]'' opens with an announcement of the deaths of the characters [[Padil]], [[Diss Pitter]], and [[Cailio Techlan]].
* The Doctor remembers an undersea dance he had once seen performed as a religious rite by an amphibian species on an unidentified planet.
* Process cloning isn’t unusual to [[the Doctor]] but he has rarely encountered it.


== See also ==
== Additional cover images ==
* [[Kaldor City (audio series)]]
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
Corpse marker-0.jpg|2014 edition. Cover by [[Two Associates]].
</gallery>
 
== Editions published outside Britain ==
* Published in Germany by Cross Cult in 2021 as a paperback edition.
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
GermanCorpseMarker.jpg|German edition
</gallery>
 
==  Audiobook ==
* This novel was released as an audiobook on [[19 March (releases)|19 March]] [[2015 (releases)|2015]] by [[BBC Audio]] and read by [[David Collings]].
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
Corpse audio.jpg|Audiobook cover
</gallery>


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{dwrefguide|whobbk27.htm|Corpse Marker}}
{{dwrefguide|whobbk27.htm|Corpse Marker}}
* {{whoniverse|PD27.php|Corpse Marker}}
* {{whoniverse|pd27|Corpse Marker}}
* [https://mysite.science.uottawa.ca/rsmith43/cloister/corp.htm Cloister Library page for Corpse Marker]


== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
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Latest revision as of 22:42, 28 April 2024

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Corpse Marker was the twenty-sixth novel in the BBC Past Doctor Adventures series. It was written by Chris Boucher, released 29 November 1999 and featured the Fourth Doctor and Leela.

This novel was a sequel to the 1977 television story The Robots of Death.

Publisher's summary[[edit] | [edit source]]

1999 BBC Books edition[[edit] | [edit source]]

Long ago and far away, the Doctor and Leela faced the Robots of Death...

To a society dependent on robots, the news that these benign, tireless, obedient labourers could be turned into killers would cause panic. So it was kept a secret. In Kaldor City, only the three survivors of the Storm Mine massacre know the truth. But now, several years later, they are beginning to show signs of mental breakdown. And once again, the robots are being programmed to kill. Can the dead genius Taren Capel possibly be involved in this new outrage?

Worst of all, this time the deadly robots are not confined to a Sandminer. This time they are loose in Kaldor City. And this time, unless the Doctor and Leela can stop them, they really will destroy the world.

2014 BBC Books edition[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Doctor and Leela arrive on the planet Kaldor, where they find a society dependent on benign and obedient robots. But they have faced these robots before, on a huge Sandminer in the Kaldor desert, and know they are not always harmless servants.

The only other people who know the truth are the three survivors from that Sandminer — and now they are being picked off one by one. The twisted genius behind that massacre is dead, but someone is developing a new, deadlier breed of robots. This time, unless the Doctor and Leela can stop them, they really will destroy the world.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Threatened by upstarts from the common classes, such as Topmaster Kiy Uvanov, Company Executives hire Carnell, a noted Psychostrategist, to devise a plan to undermine the people's trust in the current generation of robots, allowing the Company to introduce a new cyborg class with a minimum of fuss and ensuring the panic-stricken populace will accept the stability offered by the traditional ruling families. However, Carnell fails to factor the Doctor and Leela's presence into account and soon the plan goes completely wrong. As the executives who hired Carnell are now out to make him a scapegoat, he strikes a deal with Uvanov, giving Uvanov the leverage he needs to ensure a smooth transfer of power to him and his followers.

Characters[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

Objects[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The TARDIS has "transdimentional flows".
  • A stun-kill is a weapon that looks like a cattle prod and is capable of delivering a lethal shock. The setting can be adjusted; maximum is lethal.
  • Cascade Berries stimulate the sense of taste and suppress the sense of smell.
  • Z9a is an explosive device.

Blind Heart Desert[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Kaldor City is situated along the southern edge of the Blind Heart Desert.
  • The winter wind that blows into Kaldor City from the Blind Heart Desert is called "the Emptiness". Otherwise, the weather is usually calm and mild, known as "Ore-dream" by the workless of the Sewerpits, named for the good fortune it brings to the poor.

The Company Board[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Company Board comprises 30 individuals, mostly made up of senior members of the twenty Founding Families.
  • Firstmaster Chairholder of the Company Board is the most senior position on Kaldor. There are Topmasters and Firstmasters, the latter being the higher position.
  • Five members of Layly Landerchild's family previously held the title of Firstmaster Chairholder. For as long as anyone can remember there have been Landerchilds, Roatsons, Mechmans and Farlocks on the Company Board.
  • Diss Pitter is Firstmaster Chairholder of the Company Board.
  • The civilian administration, known as the Minor Faction, was originally devised to make group representations to the Company Board on behalf of the minorities.
  • Some members of the founding families aren't rich. Carnell has been involved with their attempt to re-establish their power.

Storm Mines[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • After the Taren Capel incident, Storm Mine Four was abandoned, left to sink into the desert. The events were covered up in order to prevent the end of civilisation on Kaldor. The official story detailed the crew's struggle against ore raiders.
  • Very few people outside the company board know the true story of Storm Mine Four. There are confidential debriefing tapes documenting the incident.
  • Storm Mine Seven is staffed by 14 human crew members: Lish Toos, its captain, Mor Tani, its pilot, and Simbion, its chief mover.
  • Storm Mine Seven returns from an 18 month tour of the desert with its ore hoppers full with high grade lucanol.

Robots[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The information that a Laserson probe can be used to modify robots to kill humans is classified.
  • A deactivation circuit is used to shut down robots en masse.
  • A robot can switch to a different wavelength in order to see in total darkness. They also have infrared capabilities.
  • StopDums are used for restraining humans in a non-aggressive manner. Standard Dums can be reset to perform the function of a stopDum.
  • MedVocs are capable of administering medical care to humans.
  • SASV stands for Serial Access Supervoc.
  • SASV1 is a prototype robot. It is able to act as a directed control and modification device for other robots.
  • The robot division is obsessed with security. During the events of this novel, Uvanov is one of the Topmasters in the robot division.
  • There is an activist group known as the Anti-Robot Front, abbreviated as ARF.

Tarenists[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Tarenists, followers of Taren Capel, are a quasi-religious group, one of the hundred fringe cults hostile to robots. They carry corpse markers with Taren Capel's initials inscribed to identify themselves and to mark their victims.

Sewerpits[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

Additional cover images[[edit] | [edit source]]

Editions published outside Britain[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Published in Germany by Cross Cult in 2021 as a paperback edition.
  • German edition

    German edition

 Audiobook[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Audiobook cover

    Audiobook cover

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ Magic Bullet Productions on Facebook: "A firm timeline for the events of Kaldor City."
  2. ↑ A Day in Kaldor City: 8 August 2002 by Douglas McNaughton
v • e
BBC Past Doctor Adventures
 
First Doctor
Susan, Ian, Barbara
Ian, Barbara, Vicki
Steven, Dodo
Ben, Polly
 
Second Doctor
Ben, Polly
Ben, Polly, Jamie
Jamie, Victoria
Jamie, Zoe
Serena
 
Third Doctor
Liz, UNIT
Jo, UNIT
Jo, Liz
Jo
Sarah
 
Fourth Doctor
Sarah, Harry
Harry
Leela
Romana I
Romana II, K9
Nyssa
 
Fifth Doctor
Adric, Nyssa, Tegan
Nyssa
Nyssa, Tegan
Tegan, Turlough
Turlough, Kamelion
Peri
 
Sixth Doctor
Peri
Frobisher
Mel
Mel, Evelyn
The Brigadier
 
Seventh Doctor
Ace
Solo travels
 
Eighth Doctor
Solo travels
Fitz, Anji
 
Other novels
The Master, Ian, Barbara
"Infinity Doctor"
Shalka Doctor, Shalka Master, Alison
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