The Highest Science (novel)

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

The Doctor
Bernice Summerfield
General Fakrid
Sheldukher
- One of the most wanted men in the galaxy.

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, Arcturus, Hogsumm, Atvares Minor.
The planet Vaagon was an isolated Earth colony settled in 5665.

Books

Gustaf Urnst wrote about discovering the secrets of Sakkrat.
The Everywoman Guide to Hassle Free Space Travel is mentioned.

Biology

General Fakrid is the only fertile Chelonian on the planet, but goes into a form of menstrual shock when his latest clutch of eggs dies.

The Doctor

The Doctor again "plays stupid" so the Chelonians will not kill him.

Foods and beverages

Bernice drinks Bubbleshake, an oral appetite suppressant containing Fabi weed extract. It has many side effects, one of which is brain disintegration.
Bernice cannot find any alcohol in the TARDIS.

Individuals

Sheldukher is one of the most wanted men in the galaxy.

Species

Chelonians are large cybernetic turtles who hate humans.

Sports

Bernice Summerfield 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.

Continuity

The humans and Chelonians frozen in time at the climax of this story are unfrozen in PROSE: Happy Endings.

External links