The TARDIS materializes on a space beacon in the future. The Doctor and his companions are captured when space pirates attack. They are sealed inside a section that is blown apart and taken for the mineral argonite. They then see a battle between the pirates and the Interstellar Space Corps (ISC). The ISC think that the mastermind is an innocent yet eccentric mining pioneer but the leader is actually a man named Caven. Caven is assisted by the daughter of his ex-partner Dom who is Caven's captive. When Madeleine discovers her father's captivity, she helps to defeat him. The Doctor and company get a ride back to the TARDIS.