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• The Dalek Chronicles
  • Introduction
  • Genesis of Evil
  • Power Play
  • Duel of the Daleks
  • The Amaryll Challenge
  • The Pentaray Factor
  • Plague of Death
  • The Menace of the Monstrons
  • Eve of the War
  • The Archives of Phryne
  • Rogue Planet
  • Impasse
  • The Terrorkon Harvest
  • Legacy of Yesteryear
  • Shadow of Humanity
  • The Emissaries of Jevo
  • Road to Conflict
  • Return of the Elders
  • Deadline to Doomsday
• Other Dalek Chronicles Web sites
  • Altered Vistas
  • The Dalek Chronicles

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The Daleks attempt to steal an advanced weapon from the planet Solturis, but Lurr, in his Bowl of Tomorrow, has foreseen their arrival. He tries to warn King Redlin. However, the King will not listen, believing the Daleks to be allies…

Art by Richard Jennings

Part One

In the city of Bulos on the planet Solturis, Lurr tries to warn King Redlin that the Daleks are coming to wipe them out. He has seen it all in his Bowl of Tomorrow. Redlin will not believe him. But the Daleks have already landed…

The Daleks arriving on Solturis – CGI render from the Altered Vistas production of The Pentaray Factor.

Part Two

While Lurr tries to convince Geltis and his granddaughter Mirva that the Daleks are hostile, the Daleks visit Redlin in apparent friendship. However, it is a ruse by the Emperor to exploit a rich but well-guarded world.

Part Three

The Daleks plot to steal the Pentaray, Solturis’ ultimate weapon, but Lurr cannot convince Mirva of the Daleks true intent. The Daleks unveil a copy of the Pentaray which they plan to swap with the genuine article.

Part Four

Lurr finally convinces Mirva to warn Prince Jareth, but he is overheard by Geltis, who has his own agenda. Mirva goes with Jareth to the Pentaray chamber, but too late – the Daleks have already swapped the real Pentaray with the fake!

Illustration from the original Dalek Chronicles

Part Five

Jareth and Mirva go to King Redlin. He discovers that someone has stolen the key to the Pentaray. That someone is Geltis, who tries to make a deal with the Emperor – the key in return for power over all Solturis.

Part Six

Redlin goes to Lurr, so he can use the Bowl of Tomorrow to discover the traitor. However, it will take time for the Bowl to reveal the identity. Time enough for Geltis to return, stab Lurr and destroy the house.

Part Seven

Geltis makes his getaway, intent on rendezvousing with the Daleks in the mountains, but is spotted by Mirva, Jareth and Redlin. Jareth gives chase in a flyer. With success assured, the majority of the Daleks leave Solturis, but Geltis double-crosses his allies and blasts the Daleks who have come to receive the key.

Part Eight

Now planning to hold Solturis to ransom with the Pentaray, Geltis aims the device at Bulos City. However, Jareth stops him by toppling him over the edge of the mountain. Then, with the Pentaray strapped to his flyer, he destroys the remaining Daleks. The Emperor watches from space – they have received a strange message and must return to Skaro immediately.

• This story was originally published in issues 25-32 of TV Century 21.
• Marvel’s 1994 Summer Special The Dalek Chronicles prints parts two and three the wrong way round.
• Pentaray is also spelled Penta Ray in the strip.
• It is possible that this story was started by Whitaker but completed by someone else, as there are an unusual number of inconsistencies in it.
• This strip is also known by the title Envoys of Evil (The Dalek Annual 1977).
• Altered Vistas CGI adaptation of The Pentaray Factor was released in June 2005 and is available from their site: www.alteredvistas.co.uk.