Ubaz and Ipotir literally began with a rather odd dream I had about a building that was split as the tower of Ubatir was, the spire being left off the tower. The rest of the story grew from there. The idea that the spire was left off because of a division between religious and secular interests appealed right away. It is symbolic of an issue that arises in the ‘real world’ in various forms from time to time. I studied the so-called “Tennessee Monkey Trial” in one of my undergraduate history modules, and only recently the Pope clashed with student protesters at Rome’s La Sapienza University over anti-science doctrines of the Catholic church. It is a real issue and one that lends itself to a science fiction exploration.

Chrístõ’s scientific mind refusing to accept that idea of a ‘miracle’ or that the twin gods were ‘real’ is a subplot. Twice in previous adventures he found false gods misusing innocent people, and his first thought was that this was happening again, especially when the suppressions began. Book burning and censorship are, of course, just what he called them – fascism. And he is a believer in freedom.

The separation of the non-Humanoid delegates was seen by a lot of readers as akin to Nazis rounding up the Jews. I didn’t actually think of that at the time of writing, but of course any segregation based on implied or real ‘differences’ is bound to have those sort of resonances.

Chrístõ’s dilemma about the vote of censure is another important subplot. Gallifrey is known as a conservative planet, and it is no surprise that the High Council would order him to vote against the censure and in favour of the status quo. But Chrístõ’s conscience dictates otherwise, and if he had gone ahead and voted against his orders, he would have been giving a strong indication of Renegade tendencies to his superiors. For him to simply obey those orders, though, goes against the grain for his character here and in his future as The Doctor.

The resolution of the issue, by the twin gods themselves taking command of the situation, realising that they have been duped by the high priest, took readers by surprise. They expected Chrístõ to be the one to sort it out. But after all, it was their planet, not his. It is consistent, though, with The Doctor in later years, who tended to be the catalyst for others to act, rather than acting on his own. The Dalek Invasion of Earth is an early example. The revived series has several examples of The Doctor showing ordinary people the way. Charles Dickens in the Unquiet Dead, Cathika in The Long Game, Tommy Connolly in Idiots Lantern for examples. This is Chrístõ starting on a path he will be on for a long time.