Sword of Orion

"It's a Cyberman, a rogue Cyberman!" 

Writer: Nicholas Briggs
Format: Audio
Released: February 2001
Series: Main Range 17

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Charley

Synopsis

The human race is locked in deadly combat with the 'Android Hordes' in the Orion System. Light years from the front line, the Eighth Doctor and Charley arrive to sample the dubious delights of a galactic backwater, little suspecting that the consequences of the Orion War might reach them there. But High Command's lust for victory knows no bound.

Trapped aboard a mysterious, derelict star destroyer, the Doctor and Charley find themselves facing summary execution. But this is only the beginning of their troubles. The real danger has yet to awaken.

Until, somewhere in the dark recesses of the Garazone System, the Cybermen receive the signal for reactivation...

Verdict

Sword of Orion is another fine example of a Classic Doctor Who audio story. Continuing on from Storm Warning, there's the now familiarised pairing of the Eighth Doctor and Charley, who together are just outstanding. They work tremendously well together and it's already easy to see after just 2 adventures together! I liked how Ramsay, the Vortisaur, still remained with them on board the TARDIS but wasn't feeling well! I particularly liked this adventure as it pitted the Eighth Doctor against his second of what I consider the 'three ultimate enemies.' Battling with the Master in his debut in The Movie, now the Eighth Doctor pits his wits against the Cybermen. Just the Daleks to tackle now, from my perspective at least. And a design he's very familiar with from 6 bodies earlier. The references to The Tomb of the Cybermen and The Invasion were terrific and I really liked what the Cybermen were up to here. Exhausted and in hibernation, they were soon waking up. But it was Deeva who seemed to be the evil one, not suspected at first (although the Doctor could tell something was up), she wanted to make an alliance with the Cybermen to defeat the Androids! Or so we thought. The mystery behind her was excellent and when it was revealed that she actually was an android and a double agent, I applauded! A fantastic twist. The plot itself was never dull and a superb guest cast made it all the more enjoyable! I particularly liked the characters of Ike and Chev. The cliffhangers were all very good which is always a bonus! The Cybermats having an effective appearance in audio was very cleverly written! Deeva wanting to master the art of Cyber conversion though was a shocker, a brilliant one. A sickening concept! The Doctor, in his eighth incarnation - something I'm extremely glad to be exploring more of, was tremendous and showed some perfect traits that are everlasting in all incarnations. Wondering off and curiosity to name a few! Charley was wonderful and I can tell I'm really going to love her as companion. If only these audios were visual! But I have absolutely no complaints with the format! It's a wonderful and allows brand new Classic ventures with no intention of stopping. And they've certainly benefitted the Eighth Doctor. The climax of the story wasn't as exciting as I expected but still quite good nonetheless. But overall, an excellent story!

Rating: 9/10