Silurian Ark

The Silurian Ark was a large starship created by the Earth-based Silurian civilisation during the final days of their rule.

Background

These large roughly spherical shaped craft were able to hold thousands of crew in hibernation pods and were able to hold an entire self-contained ecosystem for animals to thrive. Some parts resembled outside planetary environments that were a near perfect replica of an environment though a keen observer was able to sample the air and detect metallic content in the air. Another example of the ship's true nature was present in these environments as underneath the soil and sand were metallic plates. Its engines were powered through hydroelectric means with a large ocean that used waves as a form of energy.

A computer system allowed easy access to information and included a teleport system to any area of the ship. The control deck served as the command centre for the entire ship and included an automated piloting system that locked the target for the vessel. Piloting of the ship involved parallel bio-compartments chairs that required the users to be of the same gene-chain. (DW: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)

History

This craft's creation was dated to the end of the Silurians' rule of the planet Earth. At the time, they discovered an object that was forecasted to collide with their homeworld. The majority of their race entered into hibernation though some of their kind created a large spaceship designed to hold their people and a large number of dinosaurs. After the ship launched, it travelled in space where the Silurian preserved dinosaurs managed to thrive except for one species. Whilst in hibernation, the ark was boarded by Solomon who determined its cargo to be of high value that he could sell. After boarding the ship, he had his two robots wake up a few of the Silurians at a time and disposed of them when they refused to give him the dinosaurs. This led to the entire crew of thousands of Silurians being killed but their unique piloting method meant that Solomon was not able to alter the craft of the ship which headed back towards Earth when no-one was able to pilot it.

Eventually, it managed to arrive near Earth orbit where its trajectory caused humans to determine it was a threat. Thus, they intended to destroy it with a barrage of missiles. In this time, the Eleventh Doctor learnt of the ships existence and was determined to save it. He took Queen Nefertiti, John Riddell, Amy Pond, Rory Williams and Brian Williams to the ship where he encountered Solomon. The Doctor ultimately placed the Ark's signature onto Solomon's ship causing the missiles to target it and thus sparing the Silurian vessel. (DW: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)