The Ruins of Heaven

"Which way are all the dead people?"

Writer: Marc Platt

Format: Short Story

Released: December 2003

Printed in: Short Trips: Steel Skies 12

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Peri

Synopsis

There are many places that most of us can never see: places that are sheltered, locked away, cordoned off from the outside world. But to the Doctor, and those who travel with him in his TARDIS, there is no such thing as a locked door. Anywhere in space and time is open to them to visit – even if sometimes it might be better to leave such places well alone.

Steel Skies is a collection of stories based in enclosed and artificial environments: places constructed to keep the dangers of the universe outside, perhaps, or to keep their inhabitants locked in. It is divided into four sections, each exploring a different kind of confinement:

Section One, Flight, comprises four tales of travellers who left their homes for far-away destinations – to explore, to start a new life, or to fight for the survival of their species.

Section Two, Frontiers, explores the corridors, living quarters and ventilation shafts of four futuristic environments – designed to shelter men, women and children from harsh natural forces, or from the threat of nuclear war.

Section Three, Incarceration, tells four stories of punishment and imprisonment, from San Francisco's infamous Alcatraz, to the cage of a flightless angel in the dilapidated ruins of Heaven. 

Section Four, Isolation, deals with the loneliness and despair of being cut off from the world outside, by physical or mental incapacity, by the ravages of war, or caught between destinations aboard the TARDIS itself. 

A recurring theme in all four sections is the effect of the Doctor's arrival in these enclosed environments – sometimes positive, sometimes less so.

Verdict

The Ruins of Heaven was a fascinating story to continue my reading of the Steel Skies edition of Short Trips! This really was close to feeling like I was reading an essay and on paper that doesn't sound all that enticing but I found myself rather enthralled once Peri and Yy got into a deep discussion. I have made it no secret in numerous blog entries over the past decade-plus that I am a staunch Atheist and I'm not a fan of religion in the slightest. I don't put anybody down for having faith and I do find it interesting, but when I look at history and conflict the number one cause is religion and it just seems a bit silly to argue over a man in the sky. I thought the way it was addressed here was really interesting as it seemed like all arguments were addressed. The Doctor was having my views in not being shy about ridiculing religion and whilst I wouldn't go as far as he did here, it did put a smile on my face. I just don't like when religion is shoved down our throats or others are told they're wrong. To me, they're all living in a fantasy but I can't deny the power it has in bringing salvation and a fresh start for people. Having an actual setting of Heaven here was fun and Peri's immediate response upon arriving was to know where all the dead people were. That's quite a way to go about things but she had a good point to be fair! Heaven ought to be full of people, or is that Hell? This was just an interpretation or a version of Heaven which was intriguing and the Doctor ending up becoming a tour guide from his own brashness was very amusing. This was very much Peri's story, but the characterisation of the Sixth Doctor here was really strong. I wouldn't agree that this story felt like it fitted in with the Incarceration theme of this section of the collection because despite Peri being taken prisoner in death by the Putti, it actually ended up being a ploy of theirs against Yy as the angel. I thought it was really good to pit angels against one another and the Putti being in the form of cherubs instantly gives them a feeling of evil. There's just something scary about them and that's confirmed by the fact they'd be taken on in the form of baby Weeping Angels! The dialogue between Peri and Yy as they discussed religion was just excellent in capturing my attention. I was really interested in both sides. I liked how Yy could listen to prayers and whilst he maybe went a tad far in taunting Peri on hers, getting some insight into her as a companion here was great stuff. Touching upon the events of The Caves of Androzani and how she feels guilty for him giving his life to save hers was poignant. I think more could be made of that as it's a valid emotion for sure! The continuity with Revelation of the Daleks was a nice touch too with the Doctor's watch and Peri bringing it along to repair it, and Yy answering her prayer for that was pretty cool. I thought Yy helping Peri back to her reality and existence was good and the Doctor had just been causing annoyance as a tour guide the whole time! He needed a swift getaway which was pretty fun. Overall, a really strong read! I loved the discussion and for me it was all about that lengthy Peri and Yy conversation. It was really interesting stuff on a pretty divisive topic! 

Rating: 8/10