The Highest Science (novel)

The Highest Science
Adapted into:	The Highest Science
Doctor:	Seventh Doctor
Companion(s):	Benny
Main enemy:	Sheldukher, Chelonians
Main setting:	Hogsumm, 2680
Key crew
Publisher:	Virgin Books
Writer:	Gareth Roberts
Release details
Release number:	11
Release date:	18 February 1993
Format:	Paperback Book; 22 Chapters, 258 Pages
ISBN:	ISBN 0-426-20377-1
Virgin New Adventures
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Next →	The Pit
DWM's "New Adventures order"
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Next →	The Pit

For the audio adaptation, see The Highest Science (audio story) .

The Highest Science, published in 1993, is the eleventh book in the Virgin New Adventures series. It was written by Gareth Roberts and features the Seventh Doctor and Bernice Summerfield.

Publisher's summary

Sakkrat.

Many legends speak of this world, home of an ancient empire destroyed by its own greatest achievement: the Highest Science, the pinnacle of technological discovery.

When the TARDIS alerts the Doctor and Bernice to the presence of an enormous temporal fluctuation on a large, green, unremarkable planet, they are not to know of any connection with the legend.

But the connection is there, and it will lead them into conflict with the monstrous Chelonians, with their contempt for human parasites; into adventure with a group of youngsters whose musical taste has suddenly become dangerously significant; and will force them to face Sheldukher, the most wanted criminal in the galaxy.

Plot

to be added

Characters

• Seventh Doctor
• Bernice Summerfield
• General Fakrid
• Sheldukher
• Cell
• Gustaf Urnst
• Jinkwa
• Klift
• Molassi
• Ozaran
• Postine
• Rodomonte
• Rosheen
• Sendei

References

Astronomical objects

• The following planets/systems are mentioned (and briefly explained): Sakkrat, Vaagon, Evertrin, Earth, Chelonia, Lasty's Nebula, Naiad, Menelot, Harma, Checkley's World, North Gate, Tayloe, Mang, Miradilus Four, Regurel, Mars, Draconia, Mulkos, Mordala, Exalfa, Adorno, Alpha Centauri, Heaven, Sensuron, Riftok, Masel, Arturus, Hogsumm, and Atvares Minor.
• The planet Vaagon was an isolated Earth colony settled in 5665.

Location

• The Doctor had ran Taunton for two weeks in the 18th century.

Books

• The Everywoman Guide to Hassle Free Space Travel is mentioned.

Foods and beverages

• Bernice drinks Bubbleshake, an oral appetite suppressant containing Fabi weed extract.
• Bernice cannot find any alcohol in the TARDIS.

Sports

• Bernice knows some aikido.

Theories and concepts

• The Fortean Flickers are metaphysical phenomenon associated with random events.

Notes

• A prelude to this novel was published in DWM 196.
• The 2009 special Planet of the Dead features elements of this story; whereas a tube train passes through a Fortean Flicker to Sakkrat here, a red London bus passes through a wormhole onto San Helios in the 2009 story.
• The writer of both pieces, Gareth Roberts, was to use the Chelonians in Planet of the Dead, but the heat of the Dubai desert where filming was to be was thought too severe for an actor to wear a heavy Chelonian turtle costume in.
• A Big Finish Productions audio adaption of the novel starring Sylvester McCoy, Lisa Bowerman and featuring Sinead Keenan, Daniel Brocklebank and Tom Bell was released in December 2014, adapted by Jacqueline Rayner. The first part of the story was issued free as a podcast prior to the CD's release.

Continuity

• The humans and Chelonians frozen in time at the climax of this story are unfrozen in PROSE: Happy Endings.
• On regaining consciousness, the Doctor cries out, "Where am I? Who am I? And who are you?" (TV: Time and the Rani)

External links

• Prelude to The Highest Science as published in DWM #196
• The Highest Science at the Doctor Who Reference Guide
• The Discontinuity Guide to: The Highest Science at The Whoniverse
• The Cloister Library: The Highest Science
• Doctor Who Bewildering Reference Guide to The Highest Science