Doctor Who Books: Target Books

How long is 73 yards?

'Why is your first impulse to reach for your swords and never a screwdriver?'

On a peaceful rural planet, where the colourful pageantry of old Ruritania mingles with ultra-modern Android technology, the Doctor becomes a king-maker in spite of himself.

Some time ago, the White Guardian, one of the most powerful beings in the Cosmos, had set the Doctor an urgent task - to find and reassemble the six segments of the Key to Time.

'We're in the wrong century,' wailed Tegan. 'No, we're not,' Turlough assured her grimly. 'It is 1984.'*

Programming the TARDIS for a visit to the attractive planet of Metebelis 3, the Doctor and Jo are disappointed to find they've arrived in a cargo ship bound for Singapore. Or so they think. In fact, they are trapped in a time-loop on the far away planet Inter Minor, where all the life-forms of the Galaxy are miniaturised in the Scope - a peepshow for arch-showman Vorg. These life-forms include the terrifying Drashigs - huge underwater dragons who add to the monumental problems the Doctor and Jo face in trying to escape this nightmare circus.

Still weak and confused after his fourth regeneration, the Doctor retreats to Castrovalva to recuperate.

The Master leaned back, permitting himself a thin chuckle that floated away into a whisper. 'Oh no, you can't escape. You're mine,A, mine - until we have completed our final task...'*

Earth is under attack by power-hungry aliens. This is no time for the Doctor to be out of action.