A thousand years back, the wicked Cult of the Dark Fire infiltrated every star system in the galaxy. In the annals books the Cult is certainly legendary, its despotic innovator a terrible memory. But for some the Dark Fire still burns. For some, its horrifying power is the ultimate goal. All that’s needed is is for the proper people to maintain the wrong place and period. An archaeologist and his automatic robot are on the poisonous world of Sorus Alpha, where they’ll uncover a hideous relic. The Doctor and Ace are on the way to the deep space research centre Orbos, where Professor Bernice Summerfield can be soon to start the countdown to common Armageddon. Four acolytes of Bad. Three mad scientists. Two companions. One Doctor.