Fleeing a doomed space station in tiny life capsules, the Doctor and Compassion find themselves prisoners of Parallel 59, a militaristic power on the planet Skale. Meanwhile Fitz finds himself apparently safe in Mechta, a colony for convalescents.

A space race is in full swing on Skale, with each of the planet's many blocs desperate to be first to reach the stars. If the Doctor's knowledge helps Parallel 59 to succeed, the consequences for the rest of the world could be devastating.

But Fitz knows nothing of his friends' predicament. Enjoying his new life, he's not even sure he wants to be rescued — which is a good thing.

Because the Doctor has no intention of going to Mechta. He's decreed that Fitz's new-found utopia must be totally destroyed.