Catastrophea (novel)


 * ''You may be looking for the planet of the same name.

Publisher's summary
'''Look at the way they just call themselves the People,' said Jo. 'They're too humble to give themselves a name!' 'Or too arrogant to think they need one,' said the Doctor.''

The planet's real name is Kastopheria, but generally it's been rechristened Catastrophea - it's a catastrophe waiting to happen. Supposedly civilised races are exploiting the world, squabbling over its wealth and resources, while the indigenous population - golden-skinned giants - seem not to care what their own fate might be. The Doctor and Jo soon become embroiled in a plan to keep peace between different parties vying for control over the planet.

But what is the strange glowing crystal lying hidden in impenetrable jungle? How will the arrival of the proud, warlike Draconians affect the fragile peace? In his quest to find the truth behind the secret history of the People, the Doctor risks unleashing a force more terrible than the galaxy has known for aeons...

Characters

 * The Doctor
 * Jo Grant
 * Councillor Rekar

Continuity

 * When the Doctor and Jo are trapped in a cell, Jo suggests using the sonic screwdriver to escape. The Doctor points out that the cell they arre in was made of wood, something the screwdriver is incapable of affecting. This weakness was later mentioned in the revived series episode (DW: Forest of the Dead) with the Mark V. He also mentions that he could convert the screwdriver into a laser cutter, but doesn't due to the possibility of burning down the whole cell.
 * The Doctor refers to Winston Churchill, whom he met previously (PDA: Players), as his 'old friend'.

Timeline

 * Catastrophea occurs immediately after: DW: Planet of the Daleks
 * Catastrophea occurs before: TN: Nightdreamers
 * In Nightdreamers Jo is still thinking about her 'relationship' with Latep.