Alien Species
Giant Gastropods

The Giant Gastropods, half-human half-slug, were considered to have died out long ago, and had formed part of Jacondan mythology, until one in particular, Mestor, took over control of the planet Jaconda from Azmael, turning the plant into a barren wasteland. Mestor is able to monitor minds, which is the method he uses to control his subjects. He is also able to kill people by causing embolism in their blood stream.

Mestor planned to move two of Jaconda's moons nearer to the sun, where their orbits would decay and eventually they would plunge into the sun. The resulting explosion would be enough to incubate thousands of Gastropod eggs, and fling them throughout the Universe.

Mestor had told Azmael that the moving of the planets would provide an abundant food source to the now barren surface. It is the sixth Doctor who works out the truth, and Azmael becomes less co-operative with Mestor. Seizing the chance, Mestor takes over the mind of Azmael, who, as a Time Lord, brings on a regeneration. However, he has used up all his bodies, and Azmael, along with Mestor, dies. The Doctor destroys Mestor's body before he can return his mind to it.

Television adventures featuring the Giant Gastropods:

The Twin Dilemma

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