The Coming of the Teraphiles

  it we wouldn't exist. Couldn't exist.' He frowned suddenly

  and sighed. 'Neither, unfortunately, could that old dark tide.'

  He flipped a disconsolate switch.

  She pointed at the screen. 'I told you, Doctor. Look for

  yourself. It's gone! Dark matter, yes, but no dark tide. It's

  gone!'

  He grinned that grin of his.

  'Give it time,' he said.

  And pulled a lever.

  Acknowledgements

  To Justin Richards, who helped shape this story. (No living

  nuts were harmed during the writing of this book. Do not try

  any of these games anywhere, especially home.)

  Also for the Roogalators, Martin Stone, the Hawkwinds,

  Janis Ian, Mac McLagan and other good musicians and

  friends who kept the work on this book rocking; to Billy

  and Betty and to Barry Pain, an inspiration to many; to the

  original Bubbly Boys, their mums, dads, aunts and uncles for

  whom Saturday fun always started with the Doctor and for

  whom it still starts, and of course for Linda.