Talk:The Rulers of the Universe (audio story)

Placement before or after The Husbands of River Song

A disagreement occurred regarding whether River could refer in this story to her crashing into a planet in The Husbands of River Song. Thus, before making further edits, I propose to discuss and come to a conclusion.

Amorkuz's thoughts. In Forest of the Dead, River says that before this trip the Twelfth Doctor gave her a sonic screwdriver and recalls their last meeting. It has been generally agreed that this last meeting happened in The Husbands of River Song. Also her diary in The Husbands is almost full, meaning that almost no adventures happened after. I conclude that the adventures from The Diary happened for River before the ones from The Husbands.

TheChampionOfTime's thoughts (from a comment to an edit). "River uses her Sonic Screwdriver in these stories. How could this not take place after Husbands?"

Amorkuz's response. To the best of my memory, in the Diary tetralogy, River uses her sonic trowel, which we see in The Husbands but which she must have had before that too. I cannot remember an indication that at some point River uses a sonic device other than the trowel. Usually, the sounds of a sonic device operating are heard without an additional comment, since the presence of the trowel is established in the first story of the box set.

Actually, the idea to identify the sonic devices is very good for determining whether River could have referred to The Husbands in The Diary. River did not have a screwdriver before The Husbands, and would naturally use it after. Could you point me to the place where the screwdriver is mentioned in The Diary? Amorkuz ☎ 12:07, April 15, 2016 (UTC)

TheChampionOfTime's response. After checking the Diary of River Song story pages (it's been months since I listened to them), I found that River uses her Sonic in I went to a marvellous party. I distinctly remember the words "Sonic Screwdriver" being used, but if you want actual evidence I'll listen to the story and give you a track number. Also, in case you were unaware, The Sonomancer is set after Husbands as well. The Champion of Time ☎ 16:09, April 15, 2016 (UTC)

Since I contest the current state and you present evidence, I think it is fair if I relisten to the story (yes, I'm ready to suffer its brilliance again). I just finished listening to it and did not remember River's screwdriver, but I've been known to be wrong before (unless I make copious notes instead of enjoying listening). Doom Coalition 2 is next on my plate, so I was, indeed, unaware of its placement. If I don't say anything else, it means that TheChampionOfTime was right. Amorkuz ☎ 16:17, April 15, 2016 (UTC)