On an almost lifeless planet in a remote star system, Earth Colony Phoenix is struggling to survive. The colonists, utterly dependent on transmat technology and unable to leave the security of their Habitat Domes, have developed severe agoraphobia... not to mention an inability to deal with visitors...

 The TARDIS crew arrive on an apparently abandoned space station in orbit above the planet and soon discover that they and the remaining colonists are in the gravest danger.

 To survive, The Doctor, Peri and Erimem must uncover the colony’s darkest secrets before it is too late.

 Something inhuman is stalking the Colony…

... and it’s hungry!

 WHERE TO START? AT THE beginning, I suppose. Except I’m not too sure where the beginning is. You see, I’ve known Gary Russell for so many years now that I can’t remember when or where we first met. Early last year Gary asked if I’d fancy taking a crack at a short Professor Bernice Summerfield audio for a free CD to be given away with Doctor Who Magazine. He apologised that it would have to have a very small cast: just Benny, a single Cyberman and no more than two other speaking parts. Now you have to understand this - writers lose a challenge. Give a writer a blank piece of paper and tell him to write whatever he wants and he’ll crawl into a corner and gibber. But give him two characters, one set and a narrative secret, and tell him you need a script tomorrow, there’s no stopping him. So I wrote Silver Lining, and it must have gone down okay because, out of the blue, another one of Gary’s challenging emails arrived: how quickly could I turn around a proposal and set of scripts for a non-Earthbound adventure for Fifth Doctor, Peri and Erimem?

How long is a piece of string? I quickly rustled up a trio of half-page story suggestions. Two of which I’ll keep for another time, but suffice to say they both involved large objects (one a space liner, one a moon) being directed as a planet. (I think it’s something to do with really liking the idea behind Four to Doomsday but hating everything about the execution!) The third idea was the shortest and was inspired by a half-remembered short story I’d read years ago about space explorers who developed agoraphobia. I had this notion of a colony that had retreated into cell-like rooms, linked by teleports, who never walked anywhere and rarely met anyone face to face. And then I began to wonder to what such a society might be vulnerable. Gary gave this idea the thumbs up and I began work. And I can honestly say it’s been the most fun I’ve had with a set of scripts since Camival Films stopped making Bugs.

 I hope you enjoy it too.

 And that I get another one of those challenging emails from Gary real soon!

 After a few discussions inspired by the Stranglers’ The Gospel According to the Meninblack album - looking at flesh farming and lazy couch-potato TV- watching humans - then throwing in a sprinkle of the Fourth Doctor story The Ark in Space, a dash of the movie Aliens and a liberal dose of claustrophobia and paranoia, Colin moved the story forward into the version found on these CDs.

Who's Who?

The Fifth Doctor

First television appearance: "Castrovalva"
First chronological Big Finish audio appearance: "Land of the Dead"

 He has been exploring the universe for hundreds of years. He fights injustice. He defeats evil. He helps people. Always accompanied by travelling companions, The Doctor has lately found his TARDIS shared by Peri and Erimem, two lively young girls from different points in Earth’s history. They can be a handful - as the intense teasing he endures testifies to...


Peri Brown

First television appearance: "Planet of Fire"
First chronological Big Finish audio appearance: "Red Dawn"

 Perpugilliam Brown has been travelling with The Doctor for a while now. Their relationship can he fractious - but is generally lighthearted and friendly. A keen botanist, resourceful and compassionate, Peri also has a edgy side; a wry sense of humour that can infuriate her travelling companion. Lately, the two have been joined in their travels by Erimem, with whom Peri has immediately bonded. Slightly older than the former Egyptian Pharaoh, Peri has taken it upon herself to play the older sister.


Erimem

First Big Finish audio appearance: "The Eye of the Scorpion"

 Upon the death of her father, Erimemushinseperem - Erimem for short - became Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. During an attempt on her life she met The Doctor and Peri, who were instrumental in saving her. Before her coronation, the officials decided upon a different, male, Pharaoh - a decision that did not completely disappoint Erimem, who then joined The Doctor and Peri on their travels. During a recent adventure in Tibet, Erimem’s eyes were injured and although healing nicely now, she’s still a bit sensitive to bright light.