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

 * Seventh Doctor
 * Bernice Summerfield
 * General Fakrid
 * Sheldukher
 * Cell
 * Gustaf Urnst
 * Jinkwa
 * Klift
 * Molassi
 * Ozaran
 * Marjorie Postine
 * Rodomonte
 * Rosheen
 * Sendei
 * Hazel
 * Vanessa
 * Witcher
 * Jobez
 * Ostryn

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.
 * During Bernice's era there was ration-card chocolate.
 * Bernice drinks a cocktail called Kronka.

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.

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)