The Snows of Terror

Hello Doctor,

We’ve still seen no sight of you in Millennius. Where can you be hiding?

I believe Barbara left off as we arrived in the snowy region of Marinus. We soon lost consciousness in the cold, and would have died had Altos not convinced a local trapper, Vasor, to rescue us and bring us to his cabin. Of course, we were unaware of Altos’ involvement until later. It seems he had lost track of Susan and Sabetha and had left us in Vasor’s care while he went to find them.

Barbara woke first, and I woke with her gently massaging my hands to alleviate frost bite. I bartered my travel dial away for some more appropriate clothes and set off in search of the others, leaving Barbara in Vasor’s care.

I found Altos soon enough, but also quickly realized that the bag of provisions Vasor had provided me contained raw meat, which I believe he counted on to draw the wolves in the area to attack me. I threw the bag away, and realising Vasor was not to be trusted, urged Altos to hurry with me back to the cabin.

I suspect I made it just in time. Barbara had apparently found Sabetha’s chain and confronted Vasor. Altos and I forced him to take us to where he had left Susan and Sabetha in a cave in the mountains.

We finally found the girls deep in the caves when Vasor severed the rope bridge that would bring us back out.

Inside we found the third key frozen in a block of ice surrounded by a group of three knights who were equally as frozen in their positions. We set the heat from the volcanic spring to work on melting the ice and set about fixing the bridge. Unfortunately, in addition to freeing the key the heat also re-animated the ice-knights and we had to fend them off as we sought to escape the mountain.

We succeeded, obviously, and now here we are in Millennius anxious to rendezvous with you, but you are nowhere to be found. I’ve followed up on a lead to the fourth key, however, and am on my way to the vault where I believe it is kept. Hopefully, I’ll be able to recover and catch you up soon, so we can return the keys to Arbitan as quickly as possible.

-Ian Chesterton

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 2nd May 1964

The Screaming Jungle

Dear Doctor,

I hope you won't mind. Susan told us you were keeping a diary. I think it's rather sweet. And obviously of great historical value considering all your travels. Anyway, I thought I should write and let you know what we've been up to while you're in Millennius seeking the fourth key, so you can include these events as well.

Oh, Ian has just asked me to spell his name for you "C-H-E-S-T-E-R-T-O-N," and to say he hopes you're having a wonderful holiday! Seriously, though, we all know you're working very hard on finding the key so we can help Arbitan and get back to the TARDIS.

When we arrived in the jungle, Susan was screaming as if something were attacking her. We didn't see anything at the time, though perhaps we should have looked more closely. Ian took Altos and Sabetha with him to explore, leaving Susan and I waiting just where we'd arrived.

I swear, sometimes he treats us like Dresden china. I know he means well, but we really are capable on our own. While we were searching the area, Susan was attacked by a living creeping vine. I pulled it off her. She knew what it was, but I couldn't believe it at that time.

I pushed through the wall of foliage behind us and found a grotesque idol back there. Upon further examination, I saw it had what looked like one of the key circuits we were looking for implanted on its forehead. Ian and the others arrived about this time, and so I decided to climb upon the idol and snatch the key.

I must have triggered some mechanism in the wall, however, because it swung round, trapping me on the other side. I'd thrown the key aside, though, so Ian sent Altos, Sabetha and Susan on after the second key and soon followed after me by climbing on the idol and re-triggering the mechanism.

The whole jungle here seemed to be booby-trapped, and I was soon captured by a friend of Arbitan's, Darrius, who thought we were working with the Voord to steal the keys. Unfortunately, before we could convince him, he was attacked by one of the creeping tree limbs. Ian managed to arrive and beat the limbs away from him, but it was too late. Darrius was dying.

We had gained his trust, however, and so he told us where to find the second key and gave us a clue, which turned out to be the chemical formula on the jar the key was hidden in. We also found that the people here had apparently mastered "growth acceleration," which changed the natural tempo of destruction. This was the source of the attacking plant life. They could accelerate their growth to approximate attack. It really was very frightening.

Having found the key, we turned our travel dials toward our next destination to re-join the others. When we arrived, however, we were unprepared for the extreme cold. It must be below zero, and neither of us are dressed for this weather, least of all Ian in those clothes Marco Polo gave him.

I fear if we do not find shelter soon, we shall freeze to death!

-Barbara Wright

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 25th April 1964

The Velvet Web

Dear Diary,

After an initial moment of panic, and against my advice, Chesterton pushed through a set of double doors to find Miss Wright. And find her we did! Lounging on a chaise, attended by beautiful young ladies, and eating grapes! It was a veritable Garden of Earthly, well, Marinusian Delights.

Alas, all was not as it seemed. We were under the spell of a powerful mesmerent, which made us see the place as a new Eden. They said their goal here in Morphoton was to grant everyone’s greatest wish. They promised Susan a new dress and myself a laboratory. Chesterton refused to ask for anything, waiting to hear the price. 

Well, as it turns out he was right.

As we slept, one of the attendants, Sabetha, crept in and placed something called a somnar disk on each of our foreheads. They worked in concert with the mesmerent and would solidify the illusions we saw.

Fortunately, Miss Wright’s disk fell off and when she awoke the next morning, she could see through everything. We had been enjoying a fine, hearty breakfast, but when we offered her some she saw it for the gruel it truly was. We offered her orange juice in fine crystal and she saw it for the unwashed mug it was. Susan showed her her new dress and she saw it as rags.

We were under the spell, however, and thought she was made. One of the fellows took her away, told us she was receiving psychiatric care, and we believed her. In truth, they had taken her for execution!

This city, Morphoton, was apparently run by a group of repellent brain-things which claimed to have outgrown their human bodies. As such they used their power to make humans their slaves by controlling their minds. They could not, however, overcome Miss Wright’s convictions and sought to remove her and also to punish young Sabetha, whom Miss Wright discovered to be Arbitan’s long-lost daughter.

Miss Wright convinced Sabetha to help her escape and she did. When she came to collect us, however, she ran into Chesterton, who, under the influence of the mesmerent, brought her to the “brains” who instructed him to kill her.

He must have struggled inside, because Miss Wright was able to overpower him. She broke free and destroyed the jars housing our captors, breaking the spell.

Riots ensued by the former slaves against their once-masters, and I can’t say as I blame them. We retrieved the first key as well as some spare travel dials, which I have learned to program. Arbitan’s daughter has agreed to join us, and I found and convinced another young fellow, Altos, who had been one of Arbitan’s couriers, to join us as well. Altos had been sent in search of the keys even before Sabetha. He and his partner, a fellow named Eprim, had split up, with him coming here to find the first key and Eprim travelling to the city of Millennius to find the fourth key.

I decided to adopt this strategy as well and, while the rest of our group searches for the second key, I shall journey to Millennius. Susan was not fond of the decision, but I explained to her I would be much relieved to know she was safe with the larger group, while I would be quite safe in the well-ordered society of Millennius. And anyway, we’ve got to do what we can to speed this search along.

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 18th April 1964

The Sea of Death

Dear Diary,

Having spent a month or so in Earth 1289 A.D. it was nice to once again be back in the TARDIS. Of course, our latest destination has left a bit to be desired.

We arrived here on what we now know as Marinus earlier today on the shores of a great sea of acid, as Susan found out when she dropped her shoe in. As one approached the sea, the shore in fact turned from sand to glass.

We found a few little one-man submarines which were apparently designed to travel beneath the acid, along with the rather gruesome discovery of an empty sort of frog-man suit. It had a rip in it and so we surmised the acid must have gotten to its inhabitant, and, well, I don’t think I need say anymore.

We spotted a great building in the distance and I reasoned that the sea must be some sort of defence mechanism. Susan had gone back to the TARDIS to retrieve a new pair of shoes, so Chesterton, Miss Wright and I went back to the TARDIS to find her and then planned to investigate the distant citadel.
The treacherous child was nowhere about, so we decided to look for her which took us to the building, where we split up.

As it turns  out, several of the frog-men, whom we now know to be called the Voord, were attacking the building, and Susan, Miss Wright and I were all in turn chased or attacked by the creatures, but rescued and then imprisoned by Arbitan, a fellow dressed in Monk’s robes who is the building’s sole inhabitant.

Chesterton was still free, and I must admit he is one resourceful little schoolmaster. He turned the tables by rescuing Arbitan from an attacking Voord, which proved to him we were no enemy and convinced him to let us go free. At least momentarily.

He took us to the heart of the building, a room housing a great construct he explained was The Conscience of Marinus. Their civilisation’s technology had peaked 2,000 years ago with this device which began as a sort of adjudicator machine, an infallible judge and jury. As time went on, it was further developed to influence the people of Marinus, deciding right and wrong for them, eventually eliminating robbery, murder, all crime, even hate and fear from the populace. After about 700 years of this utopian existence, however, there arose one to oppose it, I believe named Yartek. He and his followers, the Voord, began a revolt with the intention of capturing  the Conscience. Knowing how dangerous a weapon the Conscience would be in the wrong hands, the leaders of Marinus scattered the five key circuits throughout Marinus, with only Arbitan knowing the location of all five.

The population of Marinus had dwindled until now only Arbitan remains. He has finally improved the Conscience so it would be immune to Yartek's attempts to subvert it and use it as an ultimate weapon. He must stay to protect the building and the Conscience, however, and so cannot journey to bring back the keys himself. He says he sent his daughter last year, but she has not returned. He asked us to find them for him but we refused, choosing not to get involved and returned to the TARDIS.

When we reached the TARDIS, however, the old blackmailer had placed a force barrier around it, refusing to allow us into our ship unless we helped him find his precious “keys.”

And so we were forced to agree and he outfitted each of us with a little teleportation bracelet, a sort of travel dial, pre-programmed to take us to the hidden location of the keys. Miss Wright, either out of curiosity or impatience, triggered hers first and we quickly followed.

When we arrived, however, Miss Wright was nowhere to be found. Chesterton did find her travel dial, however. With blood on it.


Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 11th April 1964

Assassin at Peking

Dear Diary,

The Khan and I had a delightful time playing backgammon. At one point, I had won 35 elephants with ceremonial trappings, 4,000 white stallions, 25 tigers and the sacred tooth of Buddha! I wagered them all against the TARDIS, however, and lost. Still, he gave me a most interesting cane I think I shall keep.

Chesterton and Ping-Cho finally arrived, in Tegana’s custody. The two-faced villain accused them of trying to steal the TARDIS. As it turned out, he was working with the Khan’s enemy Noghai all along, and had been responsible for many of our delays in transit.

Once Chesterton explained all this to me, I helped him break out of his cell to warn Marco that Tegana was planning to assassinate the Khan. We reached the throne room just in time to scuttle the attack. Rather than surrender to Polo, Tegana impaled himself on one of the guards’ swords. Polo slipped us the keys to the TARDIS and ushered us out quickly.

Looking back, I wonder why we rushed away so. Given the old Khan’s backgammon habit, I’d have won the TARDIS back sooner or later.

Based upon the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 4th April 1964

Mighty Kublai Khan

Dear Diary,

We soon found that the old devil Tegana was holding Susan. Marco arrived and demanded my key, but I refused until Tegal unhanded my granddaughter. Marco eventually persuaded him to let her go, and I relinquished the key.

We then left the TARDIS at the way-station and set out for five hard days' ride on horseback to reach Shang-Tu. My back is in excruciating pain, and I don't care if I ever ride another horse in my life.

A short time after we set off, Ping-Cho disappeared, to find passage to her home in Samarkand according to Susan. Chesterton volunteered to backtrack and find her. When he didn't return Tegana set off to find them both.

And now here we are in the palace of the mighty Kublai Khan. His vizier tried to force me to kowtow at his entrance, but my back wouldn't allow it. While the vizier was incensed, I think I rather amused the Khan. The old fellow seems to have a bad case of gout himself and has offered to let me ride in his carriage of state tomorrow on our way to Peking. He also told me of some healing waters here at the palace that work wonders on his gout, and has offered to see what they will do for my back. I'm quite sure it's all rubbish, but it can't hurt I suppose.

Based upon the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 28th March 1964

Rider from Shang-Tu

Dear Diary,

Chesterton succeeded in cutting a hole in the tent, but when we made our escape we discovered our guard had been killed by bandits. Against my advice, Chesterton decided to scrap our escape plans and warn Polo.

Chesterton, Polo, Tegana and I armed ourselves with swords to defend against the bandits. Knowing we were most likely outnumbered and needed an advantage, Chesterton suggested we throw some bamboo on the fire in the hope that the ensuing explosion would frighten the superstitious devils. It sounded a good plan, and so we waited for the attack. I’m afraid I fell asleep, but they woke me at the appropriate time. Whether it was the explosions that drove them off, or, as I suspect, the death of their leader, we were successful in fending off the attack.

In the morning, we buried the dead and once again set off across the plain, Marco’s prisoners once more.  We soon encountered a messenger from the Khan, who claimed to had ridden 300 miles in one day from Shang-Tu. It’s a seemingly impossible task, most men can ride no more than 25.

His message to Marco was such that the Khan wished him to come to Shang-Tu at once, and so Polo planned to ride six hard days to Cheng-Ting and from there hire horses for the final journey to Shang-Tu. We would need to leave all our possessions, including the TARDIS behind in Cheng-Ting to follow by trade caravan.

I knew Cheng-Ting was our last chance. I knew the idiot manager of this way-station stored the TARDIS in the stable, my work on the circuit was complete, all I needed now was my keys back from Marco, which as luck would have it Ping-Cho stole so that Susan might someday return to her home.

Oh, if only that were possible.

Still, we have more pressing matters. Plans were made and, undercover of night, Chesterton, Miss Wright and I stole for the TARDIS, but Susan isn’t here. We must find her before it’s too late.

Based upon the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 21st March 1964

The Wall of Lies

Dear Diary,

Before Susan and Ping-Cho could panic too much about the eyes following them about the cave, Tegana appeared, asking us what we were doing there. I informed him we were searching for Miss Wright and showed him her handkerchief, which he assumed we’d found in a passageway off the side of the cave. He told us we should leave due to the evil spirits, but Chesterton and Polo arrived before I could discuss the non-existence of ghosts with him.

Chesterton noticed something moving behind the eyes in the rock face as well, and found a hidden chamber revealing a Mongol warrior preparing to slay Miss Wright. Without thinking, Tegana rushed forward and killed the man.

When we returned to the way-station, Polo ordered Ping-Cho and Susan to separate their sleeping quarters. Susan refuses to believe it, but I suspect Ping-Cho may have told him about my spare TARDIS key as well because he and Tegana caught me coming out. He now has both keys, and I am still unable to work on repairing the circuit.

We are now held hostage in our tent, but we shall not give up. Chesterton is attempting to cut our way out using a broken plate, and I have a feeling soon Marco Polo will be only too glad to let us go.

Based upon the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 14th March 1964

Five Hundred Eyes

Dear Diary,

That night I slept in the TARDIS as Marco kept the caravan inching along through the brutal cold toward the oasis. I woke the next morning to water droplets falling on my face. At first I was confused, then I saw water dripping down the walls of the inside of the TARDIS. Condensation! The brutal cold outside had combined with the relative warmth inside to form condensation. I called Susan to help me catch the water and we gathered enough for everyone.

Of course, Marco was suspicious at first, thinking either I'd lied and been hoarding the water or had made it by magic. I let Chesterton try to explain condensation to him. Whether the savage could comprehend it, I don't know, but at least he let me alone about it and we made for the oasis where Tegana seemed quite surprised to see us. He claimed a group of twelve bandits had camped there last night and kept him from returning for us. Miss Wright threw doubt on his story, pointing out that there were no signs of a camp or even a fire on such a cold night but Marco was not persuaded. He seems to trust Tegana implicitly.

Marco decided we must leave the next day to avoid these alleged bandits and insisted I hand over the key to the TARDIS. He really can't understand he's dealing with a man of such superior intellect. Of course, I let him have the key. He needn't know I'd made a copy last night in the TARDIS whilst they thought I slept.

We arrived at the way-station of Tun-Huang, which is apparently the home of the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes of Hashishan legend and Ping-Cho elegantly performed a little play re-telling the history of that dreaded cult.

After the performance, Miss Wright unfortunately wandered off on her own and Chesterton and Marco went to look for her.

I snuck back to my TARDIS to do some work. When I was exiting, unfortunately, Susan entered the room with Ping-Cho. I know she is quite fond of Susan, and seemingly a good girl, but her loyalty surely lies with Marco. I worry she may tell him of my extra key, but for now I must trust her.

They came for me, fearing that Miss Wright had gone to the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes. We consulted the wise man Chenchu and set off. The cave is fascinating, the artwork and craftsmanship very impressive indeed. It also made Susan and Ping-Cho very nervous and superstitious, believing some of the eyes were following us. Preposterous! We were ready to leave when Susan spotted Miss Wright's handkerchief.

So, she has been here. But where can she be now?


Based on the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 7th March, 1964

The Singing Sands

Dear Diary,

I shall have to apologise for my delay in writing to you. It has been nine days since my last entry, and a very difficult nine days at that! Even still, my entry today must be cut short due to my overall lack of energy and strength.

This trek across the Gobi Desert has been, as one might guess, quite treacherous. Add to this my displeasure at Marco's plan to bargain away my TARDIS to the Khan, and my mood has been most foul.

On the third night of our journey, I stopped dining with the others in the evening. I simply could not sit there smiling and making conversation whilst Chesterton played chess with the man who is stealing my TARDIS!

On that night Susan and the young girl Ping-Cho wandered off and were caught in a terrific sandstorm. Chesterton described the sound as that of all the devils in Hell laughing at you, and I must agree. They may call them the singing sands, but I would certainly prefer another tune!

Tegana was out about some mysterious business and rescued the girls. I have grave misgivings about the man, but I am grateful for that.

Unfortunately, the next day we found someone had sabotaged our water gourds, destroying all but one.

We hadn't enough water to complete our journey to the Khan, and so Marco followed Chesterton's suggestion and we are now journeying north to the nearest oasis. The first day we travelled 20 miles, then 15, 10, and 8 each day. Today we made it a mere 2 miles before the water gave out.

We are in quite the perilous situation. Tegana has ridden ahead to try to reach the oasis and bring water back to us. I fear we may not make it. In fact, the lack of water and stress finally overtook me and I fainted dead away. Marco was going to put me on one of his wagons, but Miss Wright has persuaded him to allow Susan and myself to ride inside our "flying caravan," providing she and Chesterton say out.

Now I must rest.


Based on the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 29th February 1964

The Roof of the World

Dear Diary,

I say, trouble follows us everywhere! Everywhere!

I suppose I should start at the beginning, lest you think we've been attacked by snowmen or Yeti.

No, Charlton soon explained the giant footprint in the snow was most likely a normal print that had had its edges melted by the snow,

I made to leave them to their explorations and return to the TARDIS to do some work, but upon re-entering, I found all the lights and heat out, and that we'd gone completely out of water. All due to one circuit that's somehow burned to a crisp! It would take me days to fix, and meantime the sun was setting and I feared we might freeze to death.

We decided to descend to a lower elevation to seek shelter when we encountered a lone Mongol. He fled, but we followed him down to the rest of his group. One of their number, the warlord Tegana, a very treacherous fellow, accused us of being evil spirits and commanded the others to kill us, but their leader stepped up to spare us. As Miss Wright guessed, he was none other than Marco Polo, on his way to Shang-Tu in Cathay (or China, as it would later be called). He called on them to lead us down to their camp, where they fed and sheltered us and explained it was the year 1289 and we were presently on the plain of Pamir, an area commonly called The Roof of the World

It had been a treacherous journey, and I fear the altitude and the thin air affected me quite a bit,giving me what these people call "the mountain sickness." I needed rest the next day whilst Polo asked the others to accompany him back to the TARDIS, or as they call it, my flying caravan. They made a sledge and brought it down the pass to the camp.

At first I thought he was being helpful, bringing it here to me so I might repair it. However, due to the silly superstitions of his Mongol compatriots who think me some sort of wizard or evil spirit, and the TARDIS my source of magic, he forbade me to enter it. As he was our host and had been such a help I agreed whilst we accompanied them along the Silk Road.

But now I've learned the real truth. Despite having no conception of its power or workings, he intends to give the TARDIS to Kublai Khan as a gift in hopes that the Khan will release him and allow him to return to his home in Venice. How foolish! As if they could possibly comprehend it or ever discover how to "fly" that caravan! What will Kublai Khan think then, eh?

Still, he persists in his plan. As Miss Wright knows, Marco Polo does return to Venice. But can this be the way?


Based on the teleplay by John Lucarotti, first broadcast on BBC 22nd February 1964

The Brink of Disaster

Dear Diary,

I’m afraid I must admit I’m not terribly proud of the actions I am about to relate to you, but I must write it down. Yes, yes, I must.

As I bent over the console, I was suddenly throttled from behind.

It was Chesterton!

The sleeping draught I’d prepared hadn’t worked, and he’d come for answers. As fate would have it, Miss Wright also entered the console room at that point, and he promptly fainted. I thought at the time he was play-acting, but I suppose it was a combination of the exertion and the drugged tea I’d given him.

I again accused them of trying to commandeer my ship and told them I would henceforth treat them as enemies.

The danger signal then sounded. When I checked, the entire area of the fault locator lit up, meaning the ship was on the point of disintegration. The danger signal began sounding every fifteen seconds.  The column began moving on its own. I felt there had to be some great force threatening us from without. Miss Wright insisted, foolishly, I thought at the time, that the TARDIS was trying to tell us something.

I wouldn’t listen, and sent Susan and Miss Wright away that I might confide in Chesterton that we had only a few minutes left.

A pattern began to emerge: The danger signal sounded every 15 seconds.  A pleasant scene would appear on the scanner and the doors would open. Then a dangerous scene and the doors would close. Finally, the scene expanded to a planet; then a solar system; and ultimately, a blinding flash! The cycle would then repeat.

It finally struck me. In my rush to leave Skaro, I threw the Fast Return switch. The spring in the switch had malfunctioned and we’d traveled too far back in time, to the beginning of this solar system! It was just a minor squeak, and easily repaired once found, but could have been disastrous.

The TARDIS, however, had refused to let itself be destroyed. It destroyed the clocks to focus our attention on time, and then gave it back to us in 15 second increments. There is no other way to describe it. The TARDIS refused to be destroyed and communicated to us as best it could in order to avert tragedy. Perhaps Miss Wright was right. Perhaps I don’t know everything about the TARDIS.

I am very proud of my companions. Susan was so brave. Even Chartow proved himself in the end. Most especially, however, we all owe Miss Wright our lives. She was right all along. It was difficult, but I forced myself to visit her in her quarters and admit so, telling her she’s quite a valuable person on our team. She is a most remarkable woman, and I fear I have seriously underestimated her.

I then set the coordinates as best I could for Earth. It appears we’ve materialised somewhere in the Himalayas. It really is frightfully cold, so I outfitted everyone with cold weather gear. The women went outside first, whilst I spoke with Chartow. Do you know, he selected that old Ulster I got off Gilbert and Sullivan? It suits him, I must admit.

Susan then called to us from the scanner. It appears they’ve discovered a very large footprint in the snow.

Based upon the teleplay by David Whitaker, first broadcast on BBC 15th February 1964

The Edge of Destruction

Dear Diary,

Almost immediately upon leaving Skaro, a large explosion occurred, knocking all the lights out in the TARDIS and knocking me to the floor, causing me to cut my head open and lose consciousness.

I finally woke with Miss Wright attending me and a terrific pain in the back of my neck. Susan fixed me a bandage for my head. The doors to the TARDIS are open, but no one will admit to doing it, insisting they opened themselves, which is preposterous, as if the TARDIS had a will of its own.

Chesterton insists there’s been a power failure, whilst Susan insists something has entered and is hiding, perhaps even inside one of us. I really have tried to be patient with these people, but I have no time for this. Especially Miss Wright’s ridiculous theories. It was obvious to me at the time that the only fault could be outside the ship.

I asked Chesterton to assist me with the fault locator. Susan activated the scanner and immediately felt a pain at the back of her neck much like mine. The scanner showed a pastoral scene outside, the doors opened once more, then the scanner switched to a photo of the planet Quinnis in the Fourth Universe, which Susan and I had recently visited (and rather narrowly escaped with the TARDIS), and then the doors shut once more.

It is obvious these two humans have been tampering with the ship’s memory banks and are trying to confuse me. I accused them of sabotaging the ship, attacking Susan and myself, and tampering with the controls in order to blackmail me into returning them to England.  Miss Wright became indignant, suggesting that I owed them my life for saving me in the Cave of Skulls, and blaming our misadventures on Skaro on my own curiosity about the Dalek city. The nerve!

Before I could adequately respond, a freak event melted all the clocks aboard the ship and even Miss Wright’s wristwatch. Everyone seemed overwrought, so I took this opportunity to take my leave and prepare some tea to calm everyone’s nerves. Miss Wright took hers and stormed away to her quarters.

Susan and Chesterton begged me to apologise to Miss Wright. I did go to her and explain that in our situation we have no time for codes and manners.

I also, of course, had taken the liberty of adding a harmless sedative to their tea, that I might have the time and liberty to investigate what has happened here without their interference. After all, as I told her, one man’s law is another man’s crime.

And now, to examine the console.

 

Based upon the teleplay by David Whitaker, first broadcast on BBC 8th February 1964

The Rescue

Dear Diary,

I cannot fathom the hatred that must exist inside these creatures. The Daleks and Thals could all live peaceably in this city, but the Daleks will not co-exist with any other species. They planned to irradiate their oxygen distributors and poison the entire planet of Skaro, making it suitable for only one lifeform: their own!

Even manacled and shackled to the wall, I desperately sought to halt this senseless, evil killing; even offering them the TARDIS if they would desist. I told them if they gave me back the link, I would help them, explain its secrets and its philosophy of movement, but they would not differ from their path.

As fate would have it, at this time we spied Chatterton on the videoscope as the the Thals entered the city at Level 8. The Daleks commenced their countdown sequence even as the Thals advanced and prevented the Daleks from sealing off Level 9.

Many Thals died in the ensuing chaos, but the Daleks were overpowered. Chatterton and Alydon freed Susan and myself from our bonds and we were able to disable the Daleks’ power source, putting a final end to five hundred years of destruction and to the Daleks!

In retrospect, I fear what may have occurred had they accepted my offer. The thought of these creatures with access to the secrets of space and time are chilling.

The Thals now have access to the Daleks’ technology, most happily for them the ability to make food by synthetic sunlight. My experiments show the soil is not so dead as we had believed, however, and I told Alydon he may yet live to hear birds amongst the trees and life return to the planet.

In many ways I envy the Thals this chance, this challenge of rebuilding a new world. I was once a pioneer amongst my own people, but I fear I am too old for such things. Perhaps I will return one day and live amongst their grandchildren.

We said our goodbyes, and it appears Miss Wright made quite a friend of Ganatus. Chatterton may be a bigger fool than I thought! (Although he did remember to take the fluid link back from the Daleks.

As I told Alydon, I never give advice but, in addition to telling him to avoid using the “compensators,” the Daleks’ term for their metal shells, I told him to always seek the truth. His is here, on Skaro.

Mine is out there. Amongst the stars.

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 1st February 1964

The Ordeal

Dear Diary,

Susan, Alydon and I, along with our team finally reached the Dalek city.  Using my binocular spectacles, I could see a great amount of activity and determined that the Daleks are definitely planning something. I organized the Thals about the city with light refraction devices and we were able to interfere with the Daleks’ audio and television waves.

Susan then found the source of their static electricity, which I then short-circuited with the TARDIS key. Dear, dear, dear, this certainly agitated them. It just shows what a few simple tools and a superior brain can do. 

Unfortunately, we were soon surrounded by a group of Daleks, who informed us we’d merely destroyed their videoscope and put one of their lifts out of use. I told them they were responsible for the death of the Thal leader in their earlier ambush and would be responsible for more deaths unless they helped these people.

Their response was chilling: Their only interest in the Thals is in their total extermination.

The Daleks had conducted experiments with the anti-radiation drugs we left behind and found they were poison to them. They need radiation now just as we and the Thals need air. They now intend to bombard the atmosphere with radiation to make the planet safe for only the Daleks. It is sheer murder. I must find a way to stop these mad creatures. But how?

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 25th January, 1964

The Expedition

Dear Diary,

I’ve tried everything, but it’s no use. We must retrieve the fluid link if we’re to have any hope of piloting the TARDIS again. We do need Mercury, as well, funnily enough.

Whilst I was busying myself in the TARDIS, Chesterton (“Chest-ER-ton” as he reminded me) tried to rally the Thals into mounting a fight against the Daleks, but they would not consent. They are now pacifists and farmers, with no interest in war, still mourning the loss of their old world. The Daleks have more advanced weaponry, but we have speed and agility on our side. It is disappointing. We have a great army at our disposal and with me leading, I know they would fight. They have to. As Miss Wright pointed out, those metallic beasts are not going to remain within the city walls indefinitely. They will develop a method for traveling into the wild, and they will exterminate the Thals!

Chesterton determined to test their pacifist resolve by threatening to take their sacred records and turn them over to the Daleks. It didn’t work, but when he threatened to take them Alydon’s young lady friend, Alydon’s pacifist tendencies vanished and Chesterton received a nice bash on the nose! By this we determined that they would fight, given the right motivation, and Alydon gave a rousing speech to rally them to our cause. It was no St. Crispin’s Day speech, but it certainly sufficed.

The Dalek city is surrounded by the jungle to the front, mountains to the side, and a lake to the rear. The rear entrance is undefended; assuming the large mutated creatures living in that swamp would serve as a reasonable defence. My strategy is this: We should split into two groups. One group of Thals will approach from the rear, where the Daleks will not be expecting it. Alydon and I shall lead the other group to the front and further draw their attention from the rear assault.

And now as Susan and I approach the city, Chesterton and Miss Wright are accompanying the party through the swamp, encountering such beasts as one can only guess at. We shall rendezvous in three days in the Dalek city. I know this plan will succeed. It must!

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 18th January, 1964

The Ambush

Dear Diary,

Chesterton soon worked out how to operate the machine. Our cover story, however, did not impress the group of Daleks which stopped us, and we were forced to make a run for it. We made it into a side room and managed to lock the door. Susan located a lift, but unfortunately Chesterton could not exit the machine and the Daleks magnetised the floor so he could not move. We tried long in vain to extricate him, all the while the Daleks cutting through the steel door. Finally, we had to leave him behind, promising to send the lift back for him if he should escape his metal coffin. And thankfully he was able to join us before the Daleks burned through the door.

From our vantage point at the top of the city, we could see that the Thals were walking into an ambush. The Daleks had apparently delivered Susan’s note and were using it to draw them to their doom. We tried to open the door to escape and warn them, but the Daleks had magnetised the door. The party who had burned through the door below were also then approaching in the lift, however, while I worked at de-magnetising the door, the others pushed a large machine into the shaft to delay our pursuers.

I wanted to escape to the ship, however Susan insisted we warn the Thals. Again, always involving ourselves in other’s affairs. We managed to get off a small warning, but we were unfortunately too late to save the Thal leader, Temmosis, who died at the hands of these ruthless beings.

We accompanied the Thals to their camp, where a lovely young girl showed me the fascinating history of this planet. It is called Skaro, and is the twelfth planet of this system. They have records dating back half a million years. Prior to the war, the Daleks had been a race called the Dals, who were the scientists and thinkers of the planet, while the Thals were something of a warrior caste, I gather. The Thals had mutated at first, but went through a cycle of mutation coming full circle relatively unscathed. The Daleks, it seemed, built their machines to house them and have not completed the cycle. They have become xenophobes, despising all life other than their own.

The Thals, meanwhile, have become somewhat pacifist.  Chesterton urged them to mount an offensive against the Daleks, but they will not. He insisted we stay to help them. I explained that in addition to the fabulous history the young lady provided, she also had plans of several other star systems. Using those, I would be able to map our current position and thus pilot the TARDIS away. I finally convinced him and turned to return to the TARDIS when Chesterton remembered: The Daleks took the fluid link from him.

We shall have to go back.

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 11th January, 1964

The Escape

Dear Diary,

Thankfully Susan returned in time to administer the anti-radiation drugs. At the TARDIS she encountered Alydon, the Thal who had left the drugs for us and he helpfully gave her an extra supply, as well as a strange cloak his people wear. It appears they have been able to avoid the horrible mutation the Daleks predicted by following a strict regimen of the drugs. Unfortunately, she said the Thal people were suffering from a severe drought. Apparently it only rains once in four years here, when it then rains tremendously, and the rain is presently two years overdue. Thus, the Thals need to make peace with the Daleks in order to avoid starvation.

Soon after Susan’s relating all this, the Daleks brought us food and water, and took Susan away for questioning. They questioned her extensively about their former enemies and had her write a letter to the Thals promising  to provide them with food grown by synthetic sunlight. By their line of questioning, when she returned, we determined that the Daleks had been monitoring our prior conversations. We set about to find the surveillance device and were able to locate it. Chesterton and I staged a crude pantomime of a fight and were able to disable the device.

We then only had a few moments to plan our escape. Judging by the acrid smell when the Daleks move, I believed they must be exploiting the power of static electricity. Ingenius, really. Chesterton then determined that the Thal’s cloak would make a good insulator. Thus we developed our plan: When the Dalek next came to deliver our meals, we would force the Dalek onto the cloak, which should rob it of its power. The things have incredible peripheral vision, unfortunately, due to the eye stalk, so it would prove difficult to take it by surprise. Miss Wright had the brilliant stroke to make mud of the dirt on Susan’s shoe and blind the Dalek with it.

As luck would have it, our mad plan worked. We were able to manoeuvre the Dalek onto the cloak, and the thing fell silent. Chesterton and I managed to open it up, at which point we saw the actual Dalek itself. I hesitate to describe it here. The radiation seems to have mutated them to such a degree that they likely cannot survive outside their metal shells. We covered it in the cloak to hide it from the women and Chesterton crawled in.

He was able to operate the speech function, and so we pushed him into the hallway, our plan to avoid detection by claiming this Dalek was escorting us to further interrogation.

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 4th January, 1964

The Survivors

Dear Diary,

Chesterton returned, being unable to find Miss Wright, and so we all set out to find her. Amidst our explorations we heard a ticking sound coming from a room off one of the hallways. Inside we found a great amount of measuring equipment, which undoubtedly meant that we had stumbled upon an advanced society. Unfortunately for us, we found the ticking to be coming from a Geiger counter, which means the TARDIS readings were inaccurate and we have all been exposed to large amounts of radiation for the past day or so. This likely explains our exhaustion and general weakness. We are apparently suffering from radiation sickness brought about by what must have been a neutron bomb explosion at some point.

I realised we must get back to the TARDIS and admitted to Chesterton I had lied about needing Mercury for the fluid link. He snatched it from me and declared we could not leave without finding Miss Wright. About this time, we were set upon and surrounded by a group of strange machines. Fascinating creatures! They call themselves Daleks,  speak in a distinctive electronic monotone, and motor about on large gray metal cylinders, with domed heads and a large eye stalk. They are equipped with a sucker arm for grabbing and a type of ray device, which they immediately demonstrated by paralysing poor Chesterton. They forced us to a lift which must have descended miles below the surface, and led us to a holding cell where we were reunited with Miss Wright.

The Daleks brought me away for questioning, where they immediately assumed that I had been one of the “Thal” people coming into the city to look for anti-radiation drugs. I told them about the strange phials, which I now assume are anti-radiation drugs brought to us by someone, presumably one of these mutated Thals. I offered to lead the Daleks to the drugs, but they can not operate outside of the city. When I returned to the group, however, I collapsed from radiation. I was slipping in and out of consciousness as the others decided who among us would go. Poor Miss Wright fell asleep much like myself, and Chesterton still seemed unable to walk.

And so Susan was forced to venture into the strange jungle alone.

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 28th December, 1963

The Dead Planet

Dear Diary,

This planet is quite fascinating. We would appear to have arrived in the aftermath of a great forest fire. The soil has turned to sand and ashes. But it can’t be simply due to heat. It’s more a petrified jungle. Miss Wright stumbled upon the remains of a strange metal beast, very like a lizard composed of pliable metal, most likely held together by some internal magnetic force. Chesterton insisted such a thing was impossible! As if life must always conform to his narrow experience.

Of course, this planet is totally dead now. The vegetation has been totally destroyed. But there is a magnificent city in the distance that appears completely undamaged. I simply had to investigate, to try to work out what had happened here, and was about to set off for the city when Chesterton, once again our self-appointed leader, stopped me and would not let me go on my own as I was the only one who knows how to pilot the ship. I started to respond, however, at that moment, Susan screamed, claiming someone had touched her shoulder. I told her it was impossible for anything to live in this environment, but she would not listen to me.

When we went back into the TARDIS, I asked Miss Wright to speak to her. Sometimes the difference in our ages makes things difficult. This left me free, unfortunately, to endure yet another tiresome argument from Chesterton refusing to explore this planet further. I finally decided I needed something to eat and led Chesterton to the food synthesizer. Miss Wright had developed something of a headache as well, so we all had a bite to eat.

At this point, a knocking sound appeared on the outside of the TARDIS. I went to investigate, but again they all insisted we leave. I acquiesced and began dematerialisation. I stopped, however, and told them something had gone wrong, that the fluid link had run out of Mercury. Surely we would be able to acquire some in the city.

We agreed to set out at first light, Chesterton insisting we get the Mercury and come straight back without any exploring. Outside the TARDIS, however, we found a strange metal box filled with glass phials. How could it have been placed there? We placed it in the TARDIS and set off.

The way to the city proved very demanding, with all of us feeling weak and losing our breath. I had to lean on Susan for support until we reached the city. After a short rest, we agreed to separate, with Chesterton going one direction, Miss Wright in another, and Susan and I taking the third.

The city itself, again, is quite interesting, composed almost entirely of metal, with long angular hallways. I wonder who could have built such a place. Soon we met back up with Chesterton and decided to take another rest. I really can’t explain how exhausting this trip has been. When Miss Wright still did not appear, Chesterton decided to go looking for her, whilst I recuperated.

I do hope nothing has happened to her. She’s the one l like.

 

Based upon the teleplay by Terry Nation, first broadcast on BBC 21st December, 1963

The Firemaker

Dear Diary,

Or, rather: Dear me, where to start?

First, as the savages converged upon us, Kal, the fellow who struck me, came forward with the body of Hur and accused our old friend Za of murdering her, even producing Za’s stone knife as evidence.

I suspected that Kal had murdered her himself, in return for freeing us, but how to prove it to these simple creatures? Quickly, I shifted into Sherlock Holmes mode (I must say, I think I would have made Sir Arthur rather proud). I explained that if Za had killed the old woman, the stone would show what it had done, but it did not. I then grabbed Kal’s stone knife, still covered in blood, and showed it to the assembled mob, explaining that here was a stone that did show what it had done. Seizing the momentum, I persuaded Chesterton to join me in casting stones at Za and driving him out. This naturally inspired their mob mentality to join us in driving him out and banishing him from the tribe. Elementary. Hmph.

We were immediately rewarded for our efforts by our dear friend Za by his tossing us back into the Cave of Skulls to make fire for him. (Again, it never pays to involve oneself with these matters!)

Back at the cave, Chesterton enlisted Miss Wright and Susan to help him in building a fire. Za entered just in time to see him in the act. He immediately assumed Chesterton to be our leader because in his tribe the fire maker was the leader. Surprisingly, Chesterton deferred to me, stating that I was their leader. (Quite right, of course.)

I explained to Za that, in our tribe, the fire maker was the least important person (I couldn’t resist deflating Chesterton a bit) because we could all make fire. He then rather worryingly detailed the tribe’s thoughts about us. They believed us to be from the Tribe of the Orb (the sun, I presume) and that, when we return to him upon the Stone of Death, the tribe will once again have fire.

Chesterton again surprised us by managing to ignite the twigs and starting a fire. Unfortunately, at that time one of the other savages rushed in, apparently ready to return us to the Orb himself. Luckily, Za engaged him, and, after winning advantage, dealt the intruder a rather gruesome killing blow.

Chesterton gave Za a torch to take to his tribe in the hopes that now that they had fire, we would be released. This proved to be rather naïve, however, as Za swanned off hunting and left us trapped in the cave. He returned with meat and fruit and water, explaining that he did not believe we came from the Orb but merely believed we had come from a tribe on the other side of the mountain. Nonetheless, he planned to keep us here that we would be a constant source for fire.

When he had left us alone, Susan attempted to amuse us by setting one of the skulls on a lit torch. What happened next I cannot explain. Chesterton actually developed an inspired escape plan. We created four torches and placed skulls atop them all. We drew the tribes attention and then hid. When they saw the flaming skulls, they assumed we had died and gone back to the Orb, and we snuck away.

Our ruse worked for a short time, but once in the dark woods we heard them close on our heels. We managed to reach the TARDIS without a second to spare, and I de-materialised immediately.

Which brings us to our current situation. In my haste, I neglected to throw the Fast Return Switch which would have taken us back to Earth. As such, since I was never able to determine our location during our visit to that time, I am unable to determine where we have arrived. Or where we will go from here.

For now, we could be anywhere in all of space and time. It is of some small comfort, however, that the radiation levels are reading normal.

 

Based upon the teleplay by Anthony Coburn, first broadcast on BBC 14th December, 1963

The Forest of Fear

Dear Diary,

Whilst we each struggled separately to free ourselves from our bonds, all to no avail, I suggested we concentrate our efforts on freeing Chesterton. As he is the strongest, he would then be able to help free us or to defend us if the need should arise.

In doing so, I managed to speak with Miss Wright, and I fear I may have overplayed my part since our departure. She seemed genuinely surprised that I wanted to help. I tried to assure the poor dear that we were companions. Yes, companions. And I explained to her that just as Chesterton had spoken of our fear, we must not forget its companion: hope.

Luckily, the old woman, Hur, I believe her name was, rather conveniently, entered the cave and promised to free us if we would promise not to help them make fire. We of course assented and she instructed us to flee into the trees.

Having been unconscious for my journey to the cave, I depended on my companions to remember the way. We ran quite a way until I had to stop to catch my breath. Chesterton being the tiresome young fellow he is, seems to have elected himself leader of our little party, and moaned about the time we were losing while we gathered our breath. I told him so be it, but I would not follow his orders blindly and I would appreciate if he would stop looking at me as if I were the weakest link in this party.

Just as we were preparing to get underway again, we heard a fearful sound. I urged the party forward, but Miss Wright and Chesterton insisted on coming to the aid of one of our pursuers who had been attacked by a wild beast. Susan, of course, cast her lot with them and I had no choice but to follow.

Why must they get involved? There can be no good to come from it. I know. It is best not to involve oneself with the affairs of others. But I suppose that wisdom comes with age.

At any rate, I must admit Chesterton did an admirable job caring for the injured fellow. These savages seem incapable of understanding kindness or compassion. His mate had great difficulty believing we were actually trying to help him and not kill him outright, but eventually relented and allowed Chesterton to provide aid. She still jealously would not allow Susan to touch him. Hmph! Miss Wright, however, was able to convince her to gather water to clean the wound.

Again I saw how low their level of trust in me has sunk as I reached for the fallen man’s stone knife and Chesterton grasped my wrist. As if I planned to split the man’s skull! Preposterous! But I’ll let the young fool continue to believe what he wishes.

Chesterton then got the outrageous idea to carry the man to the ship in search of antiseptic, and against my objections (but of course with Susan’s encouragement) we rigged a stretcher from Chesterton’s coat and carried him toward the TARDIS.

As we approached, it became obvious that the TARDIS was surrounded. As we turned to flee, it became obvious that so were we.

Based upon the teleplay by Anthony Coburn, first broadcast on BBC 7th December, 1963

 

The Cave of Skulls

Dear Diary,
 

Well, our uninvited guests finally awoke. I sometimes forget time travel has that effect on people.

Barbara quickly accepted the reality of the situation, but the stubborn, narrow-minded fellow, Chesterton, refused to believe time travel possible at all! After checking the air and radiation levels, I decided to open the doors and let him see for himself while I went off to collect my rock samples. Hmph!

I am, I’m afraid, a bit concerned about the TARDIS. The yearometer must not be working properly. Its current reading is Zero.  More distressing, however, the TARDIS remains in the shape of a police box. I do hope the chameleon circuit is not going. I shall have to look into this at another time.

Whilst collecting my samples, I thought I should have a smoke. I was lighting my pipe when I was struck from behind by one of the primitives who inhabit this place. I woke on a stone slab amidst a group of them, all dressed in skins, and nattering on about fire. It seemed to be a power struggle between two parties. Seeking an advantage I threw in with this Kal fellow and somewhat hastily promised I would make fire for them, which worked well until I realized I had must have dropped my matches when I was attacked. 

This displeased the lot of them and I’m afraid it might have been the end for me had not Susan and the others chose that moment to mount a rescue. 

Still, it was a momentary respite, as we were eventually overpowered. As one of the primitives poised to deal Chesterton a killing blow, I bellowed out that if he were harmed, there would be no fire. 

Again, this bought us a little time. However, we were also tied and taken to the Cave of Skulls. A most appropriate name, I must say, for there were indeed skulls and skeletal remains littered about the cavern. As we struggled with our bonds, Chesterton and I noticed another thing the skulls had in common: they had all been split open.

Based upon the teleplay by Anthony Coburn, first broadcast on BBC 30th November, 1963

An Unearthly Child

Dear Diary,

At last I was able to dispose of it this afternoon. I’m rather proud of myself. No one will suspect. Unfortunately, on my return to the TARDIS I was accosted by two meddlesome schoolteachers who followed Susan home to spy on me.

I knew allowing Susan to attend that school these five months was a mistake. A child of the forty-ninth century, she knows more than the whole faculty combined. But I needed time to repair the filament, and she loves the twentieth century so. Thus against my better judgment I allowed it.

They roughly forced themselves inside, and now here we are. I can’t very well let them back out having seen what they’ve seen. The woman is somewhat intelligent and is already beginning to piece together the truth of the TARDIS. The other fellow may catch on as well given time.

Seeing no other recourse, I set off in the TARDIS and we have now materialised in a different time and most likely a different place, though I have not been able to place it as yet. Our guests were knocked unconscious during transit, but they seem none the worse for wear.

It looks as though our wanderings throughout the fourth dimension have begun anew.

At least I’ll never need concern myself with Coal Hill School again.

Based upon the teleplay by Anthony Coburn, first broadcast on BBC 23rd November, 1963