7. Heeding The Voices In Your Head
To some extent we are all a product of the voices in our heads. We hear our mothers lament, our fathers disapproval, a bullys hatred, a childs fear. Our decisions are shaped by the declarations of those who have connected with us in some way and how much attention we pay them. Nightmare in Silver gives voice to the Doctors darkness, a glimpse into what he may become if he were to ignore his emotions. What makes the cyber-Doctor so chilling is that he still acts so very much like the Doctor. He is brilliant and manipulative, deceitful, powerful and when focused on a problem almost unbeatable. He only lacks compassion. The platoon captain can only hear the voice of imperial authority. She is like a chastised child, desperate to win back approval. Her perceived duty, drummed into her head by a rigid upbringing, deafens her to alternative choices. Setting off the planet destroying bomb is absolution for past mistakes. She cares little for the sacrifice this requires of others. She refuses to see beyond the rules, not allowing herself to step off the well-worn track and ultimately dies a meaningless death far from home.