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
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.
Chapter Titles
- Prologue
- The Chain is Broken
- Behold Sakkrat
- What's A Nice Girl
- Urnst
- The Freaks
- Dinnertime
- Mind Like a Sieve
- Deadly Weapons
- The Sceptic
- Death of a Salesman
- Death By Trivia
- Guilt Trips
- Burn Up
- City of Ghosts
- Exits and Entrances
- Strategy Z
- The Monumental Guardian
- Devious Minds
- Way Out Theories
- Just A Moment
- Epilogue
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.
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 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
