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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.
- You may be looking for the audio adaptation.
Publisher's summary
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
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 ran Taunton for two weeks in the 18th century.
- The fourth zone is an area of the galaxy.
People from the real world
- Bernice wants to meet Virginia Woolf.
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.
Newspapers
- The Daily Mail reported that a shower of sardines fell on Shrewsbury.
Species
- The Draconians have legends that mention the Highest Science. The Eternals are aware of these legends.
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 adaptation 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)
- Chelonians spaceships appeared when the Eleventh Doctor discovered the Pandorica. (TV: The Pandorica Opens)
Cover gallery
Original cover
Textless cover
