Human Nature (novel)
Human Nature is an original novel written by Paul Cornell, from a plot by Cornell and Kate Orman, and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The work began as fan fiction.
The novel was later serialised in e-book form on the BBC Doctor Who website, but was removed from the site in 2010. A prelude to the novel, also penned by Cornell, appeared in Doctor Who Magazine #226, and was also available on the BBC website. It was later adapted into a two-part episode, "Human Nature" and "The Family of Blood" for series 3 of the revival in 2007.
Plot
Bernice Summerfield is grieving since the death of Guy de Carnac. The Seventh Doctor takes her to a market on a planet called Crex in the Augon system. He quickly sets off, telling her he'll be back in an hour, and Benny finds a pub where she orders a beer and finds a group of female, human, drinking-partners. After Benny's had several drinks with them, the Doctor arrives and places a patch on her cheek — a pad that disperses the alcohol in her system. He tells her that they need to leave immediately, and leads her back to the TARDIS. He hands her a scroll, and tells her he'll see her in three months; and then collapses.Meanwhile, the genesmith Laylock meets with his associates. They plan to follow the Doctor. In a long and dark room, a teenager named Tim awakens from a dream; having had a premonition that everyone will die.
Unable to understand Benny's grief on a human level, the Doctor has purchased a device which alters his biodata; transforming him into a human named Dr. John Smith. Smith lives as a history teacher at a public school in 1914 England, and falls in love with a fellow teacher named Joan. However, when alien Aubertides - hoping to acquire Time Lord abilities - attack the school, Smith sacrifices himself and becomes the Doctor once more; as a Time Lord, he is unable to love Joan in the way that the human John Smith did.