It had no lughts, no markings. But some instinct told Jo that the tiny craft meant danger.

The year is 2540, and two powers loom large in the Galaxy - Earth and Draconia. After years of peace, their spaceships are now being mysteriously attacked and cargoes rifled. Each suspects the other and a full-scale war seems unavoidable. The Doctor, accused of being a Draconian spy, is thrown into prison. And only when the MASTER appears on the scene do things really begin to move ...
 

"The treaty between our two empires established a frontier in space. We have never violated that frontier. You have invaded our part of the galaxy many times!"

It is the twenty-sixth century. Known space is divided between the great empires of Earth and Draconia. A fragile peace exists between the humans and the lizard-like Draconians, a peace that is put in jeopardy when each race claims that cargo vessels are being raided by the other's warships.

When the TARDIS accidently brings the Doctor and Jo aboard Earth cargo ship C982, they find it under attack. As the ship is boarded, a strange pulsing sound fills the air. The crew believe the attackers to be Draconians, but the Doctor and Jo see only Ogrons - nrutish, simian mercenaries who steal the cargo, including the TARDIS, and head off into space.

The Doctor's investigations take him to Earth, the Moon and then Draconia itself. He discovers that the Ogrons are employed by his sworn enemy the Master, who is attempting to provoke a war between the space empires. The Doctor suspects the scale of the plan is too grand for the Master, but even he is shocked to discover the identity of the far deadlier foe waiting in the wings...

Originally transmitted 30th December 1972 - 20th January 1973, this tenth anniversary adventure is available for the first time on BBC Video.

Running time: 99 mins approx.

Produced by Barry Letts
Directed by Lennie Mayne